Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is set to travel to Ankara for talks aimed at averting a US attack, as Turkish diplomats urge Tehran to make concessions on its nuclear programme. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has proposed a video conference between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, though no direct talks have occurred between the two countries in a decade.
The visit comes amid escalating threats from both sides. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran to abandon nuclear ambitions, while Trump has threatened a violent attack. However, Trump also struck a conciliatory tone, stating he plans to talk to Iran. Iran's army chief announced the development of 1,000 sea and land-based drones and a ballistic missile arsenal as a deterrent.
Senior officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia were in Washington for talks on Iran this week. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is preparing for military confrontation while pursuing diplomacy. The Kremlin urged restraint, but Turkey has emerged as the main mediator as the Middle East braces for potential conflict.
Inside Iran, President Pezeshkian faces domestic pressure, with polarised opinions on whether to stand up to America or seek compromise. He has acknowledged anger over past protests and pledged to publish a list of those killed in a government crackdown, though distrust remains high.
