Axios: US signals readiness for Iran talks as military pressure mounts

The Trump administration has conveyed through multiple channels that it is open to negotiations with Iran, according to a senior U.S. official cited by Axios, even as Washington continues a significant military buildup in the Persian Gulf.

Regional mediators—Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar—are actively working to arrange a meeting in Ankara later this week between White House envoy Steve Witkoff and senior Iranian officials. Two regional sources confirmed that preparations are underway, with a second U.S. official saying a U.S.–Iran meeting could take place in Türkiye in the coming days.

The diplomatic effort comes amid heightened tensions, as President Donald Trump has ordered a large-scale deployment of U.S. forces to the region while keeping the option of military action against Iran on the table. White House officials stress that no final decision on a strike has been made and that the president remains open to a diplomatic solution.

Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye—countries that previously worked with Washington on the Gaza ceasefire—are coordinating closely with both sides in an attempt to prevent a broader regional conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on February 1 that “friendly countries” are facilitating confidence-building efforts between Tehran and Washington, describing them as “fruitful.”

Recent high-level regional diplomacy has intensified. Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Tehran on January 31, meeting Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a close adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Shortly afterward, Larijani said that forming a framework for negotiations was progressing. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also urged Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, to agree to talks with U.S. officials, while Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed possible venues and agendas with Iran’s top diplomat.

President Trump reiterated his preference for a negotiated outcome, saying Iran could reach “a satisfactory deal” that ensures it does not acquire nuclear weapons, though he expressed uncertainty over Tehran’s willingness to do so.

However, Supreme Leader Khamenei struck a confrontational tone in a speech in Tehran on February 1, accusing the United States of seeking to exploit Iran’s resources and warning that any U.S.-initiated war would escalate into a regional conflict. He made no reference to possible negotiations.

Responding to Khamenei’s remarks, Trump underscored U.S. military capabilities in the region while again expressing hope for a deal.

Meanwhile, Israel is closely coordinating with Washington. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the U.S. capital on January 30–31 for talks with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine. U.S. and Israeli officials said the discussions focused on mutual briefings regarding defensive and offensive scenarios in the event of a confrontation with Iran.

By Vugar Khalilov