DUBAI: Tensions betw­een the US and Iran appeared to ease on Monday, as officials confirmed that high-stakes nuclear negotiations will resume this week in Turkiye, signalling a diplomatic pivot following weeks of war threats and a tense military build-up.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will meet in Istanbul on Friday in an effort to revive diplomacy over a long-running dispute about Iran’s nuclear programme and dispel fears of a new regional war.

A regional diplomat confirmed to Reuters that the scope of the diplomatic effort has widened significantly, with key Arab powers joining the periphery of the talks. Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are expected to participate in the proceedings.

“There will be bilateral, trilateral and other meetings,” the diplomat said, indicating a broad regional push to secure de-escalation.

The return to the negotiating table follows orders from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who, according to local media reports on Monday, authorised the opening of talks.

The move also coincides with comments from US President Donald Trump, who recently expressed hope for a deal to avert military action against the Islamic Republic.

Trump had previously warned that “time is running out” for Tehran to reach an agreement regarding its nuclear capabilities, which Western nations suspect are intended for weapons development.

The impetus for renewed diplomacy appears driven by the spectre of a devastating regional war.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Sunday that a US attack would trigger a “regional war”.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei noted that neighbouring states were rallying around a diplomatic solution due to fears that a conflict would destabilise the entire Middle East.

While tensions remain high, both sides have signalled cautious openness. Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Araghchi acknowledged Trump’s stance against nuclear proliferation.

“President Trump said no nuclear weapons, and we fully agree. We fully agree with that. That could be a very good deal,” Araghchi said. “Of course, in return, we expect sanctions lifting. So, that deal is possible. Let’s do not talk about impossible things.”

Despite the hopeful rhetoric, the geopolitical backdrop remains fraught with violence and threats. The US has engaged in a significant naval buildup near Iran following Tehran’s violent suppression of widespread protests that erupted earlier in January.

Authorities in Tehran have characterised the unrest, which they say killed nearly 3,000 people, as “riots” fomented by foreign adversaries, specifically the US and Israel.

The Iranian presidency on Sunday released the names of 2,986 people out of 3,117 it claims died during the violence, insisting most were security forces or bystanders killed in “terrorist acts”.

According to Iranian sources, Trump has previously outlined three preconditions for talks: zero uranium enrichment in Iran, limits on the country’s ballistic missile program, and an end to support for regional proxy groups.

Iran has historically rejected these demands as violations of sovereignty. However, an Iranian official indicated that while Tehran demands the removal of US military assets from the region before formal talks begin, there is room for negotiation on technical aspects.

Regional allies of the US have also made it clear they wish to avoid entrapment in crossfire. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi assured Araghchi on Monday that Jordan would not allow its territory or airspace to be used for attacks on Iran.

Jordan has become the fifth nation — joining Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait — to deny the use of their land for any US military offensive against the Islamic Republic.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2026