In the quiet of a high-security Istanbul venue, diplomatic couriers are laying the groundwork for a meeting that was unthinkable just eight months ago. The Architecture of Mediation and Regional StabilityThe road to Istanbul was paved by regional heavyweights. The Witkoff Pre-Mission: Before arriving in Turkey, Witkoff is expected in Israel on Tuesday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the new military chief, Eyal Zamir. However, the ballistic missile programme remains the “biggest obstacle.” Araghchi has signalled that while Iran might bend on nuclear technicalities, its conventional deterrent remains off the table. The Friday summit in Istanbul represents a fragile bridge over a chasm of mistrust.

Source: Daily News Egypt February 02, 2026 18:35 UTC