Deputy foreign ministers from Iran, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France will gather in Istanbul on Friday for a new round of high-level talks focused on sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program.

The meeting is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time and will take place at the Iranian Consulate General in Istanbul. The discussions come at a critical time in ongoing diplomatic efforts to address long-standing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear activities and Western sanctions.

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the meeting, with a spokesperson stating that the agenda will center on “lifting sanctions and addressing nuclear issues.” The spokesperson also emphasized that this round of talks would differ from previous ones, saying: “This time, Iran will clearly express its positions.”

The talks, held at the deputy foreign minister level, highlight renewed efforts to revive diplomatic dialogue between Iran and European signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The outcome of the Istanbul meeting could have significant implications for regional security, economic relations, and the broader non-proliferation framework.

No further details have been released regarding the duration of the meeting or whether a joint statement will be issued following the discussions. However, diplomatic observers note that both sides are expected to engage in candid exchanges aimed at breaking the current deadlock.

The international community will be closely monitoring the results of Friday’s meeting, as it may set the tone for future negotiations and determine the trajectory of Iran’s relations with Europe. (ILKHA)