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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates have received invitations to participate in U.S.–Iran talks at the level of foreign ministers in Istanbul on Friday, a regional official told Reuters.

The official said on Tuesday that the priority of the talks between Iran and the United States this week in Istanbul is to avoid any conflict and reduce tensions between the two sides, adding that a group of regional powers has also been invited to take part.

The source explained that the framework of the talks has not yet been finalized, but that the “main meeting” will take place on Friday, stressing the importance of initiating dialogue between the two sides to prevent further escalation.

This track comes as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been tasked with representing Tehran in direct nuclear negotiations with the United States, following warnings by U.S. President Donald Trump of “serious consequences” should an agreement not be reached.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said he had instructed the foreign minister to begin “fair and just” negotiations, provided that an environment free of threats and unreasonable expectations is ensured, emphasizing that any talks will be conducted within the framework of Iran’s national interests.

Tensions have escalated in recent weeks after the United States deployed aircraft carriers to the Middle East, following a violent response by Iranian authorities to anti-government protests that peaked last month. Nevertheless, Trump has reiterated his hope for a negotiated solution with Tehran, while warning of grave repercussions if diplomatic efforts fail.

For its part, Tehran has stressed its desire to reach a diplomatic solution, but has vowed to respond firmly to any attack against it, insisting that negotiations be limited strictly to the nuclear file and rejecting the inclusion of its missile program or defensive capabilities in any negotiating framework.