Romanian foreign minister says US-Iran talks in Türkiye 'rare opening that comes during a tense moment'

​​​​​​​By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said Tuesday that US-Iran in Türkiye is a "rare opening" during a "tense moment."

"The planned US - Iran meeting in Türkiye is a rare opening that comes during a tense moment. While challenges remain significant, diplomatic engagement should offer the path to reducing tensions and fostering lasting regional security and stability," Toiu wrote on US social media platform X.

Addressing Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in her post, she said it is her "sincere hope" that the "important engagement will contribute to a more peaceful future."

US media reported that senior officials from Washington and Tehran are preparing for rare face-to-face talks in Istanbul on Friday.

The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times reported Monday that the meeting would bring together US special envoy Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with Türkiye hosting and officials from Qatar, Egypt and other regional states expected to attend.

There has been no confirmation of the venue for the talks.

The talks are expected to explore parallel tracks, including Iran’s nuclear program and broader US demands related to missiles and regional militias, even as both sides remain far apart.