Ankara: Turkey has expressed its readiness to host negotiations between the United States and Iran, without imposing its mediation role on either side. A high-ranking Turkish diplomatic source confirmed this development, emphasizing Turkey’s willingness to facilitate dialogue at the highest levels between Tehran and Washington.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Turkey clarified that it is not imposing its mediation on any party, leaving the decision of where and with whom the negotiations will take place to the involved parties themselves. The diplomatic source highlighted Turkey’s extensive experience in hosting international negotiations, having served as a platform for resolving international conflicts over the years.

This statement follows media reports suggesting a change in venue for the anticipated negotiations between Washington and Tehran, moving from Istanbul to Muscat. Axios reported that US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkopf, was initially scheduled to meet with Iranian
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Istanbul next Friday to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue. However, an Arab source quoted by Axios indicated that the Trump administration agreed to an Iranian request to relocate the negotiations to the Sultanate of Oman, where they are expected to proceed next Friday.

These negotiations are set against a backdrop of ongoing tension between Washington and Tehran concerning the Iranian nuclear program.