The nuclear dispute between the US and Iran returns to the negotiating table

Iran and the United States will resume talks on Iran's nuclear program in Istanbul on Friday. US President Donald Trump warned that if no agreement is reached, "bad things" could happen, pointing to the deployment of large US warships toward Iran.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi are expected to attend the talks. The aim of the meeting is to revive diplomacy in the long-running dispute over the nuclear program and ease fears of a new regional war.

According to a regional diplomat, representatives from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will also be present in Istanbul.

Trump is demanding concessions from Tehran, with Iranian sources saying the US insists on zero uranium enrichment, restrictions on the ballistic missile program, and an end to support for regional allies. Iran has long rejected these demands, although it has shown some flexibility on the issue of uranium enrichment.

Tehran also emphasizes that the priority is the lifting of economic sanctions. Turkey and other regional partners are seeking de-escalation.

(reuters, max)