Media: US eyes high-stakes Iran meeting amid nuclear, Israel conflict talks

The White House is exploring the possibility of a high-level meeting this week between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, sources familiar with the discussions revealed. The talks would focus on a diplomatic initiative aiming to revive a nuclear deal and end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Although the meeting has not yet been finalized, it forms part of President Donald Trump’s last-ditch efforts to avoid war and revive negotiations, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“A meeting with the Iranians this week is under consideration,” a US official confirmed.

This potential meeting could be a critical juncture in deciding whether the US will militarily intervene to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Central to this decision is the US’ possession of massive bunker-buster bombs, capable of destroying Iran’s underground enrichment facility at Fordow—an asset Israel lacks. A senior US official described this as an “inflection point,” explaining that Trump “thinks in terms of deals and leverage. And this is leverage.”

“They do want to talk,” the official added, “But what we don’t know is, ‘have they been brought to their knees fully so that they realize that in order to have a country, they have to talk?’ And assuming they get there, is there any degree of enrichment you would allow them to have?”

Trump has so far refrained from direct military involvement in Israel’s attacks on Iran but insists Iran must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons “one way or another.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Trump to join the conflict and strike Fordow.

The situation intensified after Trump’s Truth Social post on June 16, calling on Iranian civilians to evacuate Tehran immediately, followed by his abrupt return from the G7 summit to focus on the conflict. Reports of explosions in Tehran sparked speculation that the US had entered the war—a claim the White House firmly denied.

Behind the scenes, the administration discussed the meeting proposal with Iran on June 16. Trump told reporters at the G7, “We are talking on the phone but it is better to talk in person.” He expressed optimism: “I think a deal will be signed. I think Iran is foolish not to sign one.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also noted the offer, saying, “The Americans have made an offer to meet with the Iranians. We will see what happens,” while emphasizing the need for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

By Vafa Guliyeva