Trump orders his administration to hold meeting with Iranian officials as soon as possible

The White House is discussing the possibility of a meeting this week between U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Axios reports, citing its sources.

Citing its sources, The Washington Post says Iranian officials have informed mediators that they are open to resuming nuclear talks with the U.S., provided Israel ceases its attacks on Iran.

The publication stated that Oman and Qatar could serve as mediators at the beginning of negotiations for a ceasefire.

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to hold a meeting with Iranian officials as soon as possible, CNN reports, citing its sources.

As noted, Trump is urgently trying to determine whether Iran is genuinely interested in diplomatically resolving the conflict with Israel.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, meanwhile, stated that “U.S. armed forces are taking a defensive stance in the Middle East. Washington seeks a peaceful resolution to the situation surrounding Iran.”

“We certainly hope that will happen. We are alert and prepared. We have stated from the outset that we are in the region to protect our people and resources,” the head of the Pentagon stated.

He added that President Donald Trump still wishes to sign an agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program, and his stance on this matter has not changed.