KABUL: The American news website Axios has reported that officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are working to organize a meeting between Steve Winikoff, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy, and Iranian officials in Ankara in the coming days. A source involved in organizing the meeting stated, “Things are going well, and we are doing our best.” This meeting is expected to take place this week. According to the Axios report, the host countries hope that this consultation between the U.S. and Iran could prevent the outbreak of war in the region. A U.S. official has also confirmed that holding this meeting in Turkey is feasible within the next week. At the same time, Donald Trump, the U.S. President, expressed hope for the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran. U.S. officials also emphasized that Washington keeps the diplomatic channel open with Tehran and remains committed to it. Axios reported that mediators are preparing for the meeting between Steve Winikoff and Iranian officials to facilitate reaching an agreement. Meanwhile, two U.S. officials told Reuters that senior U.S. and Israeli military officials met on Friday at the U.S. Department of Defense. Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. has stepped up its air defense systems to be prepared for potential attacks from Iran. The report states that if Trump were to order a “decisive strike” against Iran, a proportional response from Tehran could be expected, making enhanced air defense necessary to protect Israel, U.S. allies, and American forces in the region.
