Washington: Türkiye is emerging as a potential venue for US-Iran talks aimed at easing nuclear tensions, U.S. officials said. President Donald Trump’s administration has expressed willingness to engage Iran diplomatically this week. The discussions are seen as an alternative to escalating military pressure in the Middle East.
Ankara, along with Egypt and Qatar, is reportedly working to arrange a meeting in the Turkish capital between White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials. Trump’s public calls for a deal are described as genuine, not a prelude to military action, despite recent U.S. naval deployments in the region.
Read more: Turkey offers mediation as US-Iran tensions escalate
Tensions rose after Iran’s crackdown on protests in late December 2025 and early January 2026. U.S. warnings over Tehran’s nuclear program intensified, with Trump stating time is “running out” for a deal. Iran continues to deny any intention of developing nuclear weapons.
Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have emphasized Ankara’s readiness to facilitate talks. Iranian and Turkish diplomats met recently, with Erdoğan proposing Türkiye act as a mediator. The move aims to de-escalate tensions and prevent potential U.S. strikes.
Read more: Iran FM heads to Turkiye amid US standoff
Reports also suggest Türkiye may offer to temporarily store enriched Iranian uranium as part of a potential nuclear agreement. This proposal recalls a similar 2010 deal involving Türkiye, Brazil, and Iran, though that plan collapsed over international objections. Analysts say the new arrangement could make Türkiye a more trusted partner than Russia.