Istanbul: Tensions between the United States and Iran and Cuba appear to be easing, as both countries have indicated their willingness to negotiate with the US. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran wants diplomatic talks with the United States, but only on the basis of mutual respect. Meanwhile, Iranian and US officials revealed that the two sides will resume nuclear talks on Friday, February 6th. US Special Representative Steve Whitkoff and Araghchi will meet in Istanbul, Turkey, to restart negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and alleviate concerns about a potential regional conflict. Diplomats from Egypt and Saudi Arabia will also attend.
According to Thai News Agency, US President Donald Trump commented on the matter, stating that negotiations with Iran are continuing amidst heightened tensions, and reiterated the importance of the large US navy deployed in the Middle East. He said he would wait to see the outcome of the negotiations.
As for Cuba, another country under intense pressure from the United States, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fern¡ndez de Cossio recently revealed to the media that Cuba is ready for serious negotiations with the US. He stated that both sides have exchanged messages and communicated, but it is not yet possible to say that formal negotiations have taken place. This marks the first signal that the two countries are engaging in discussions, albeit within a limited scope, following the escalation of tensions stemming from the US arrest of the Venezuelan leader, who is closely aligned with Cuba.
On Sunday, Trump said the U.S. had begun negotiations with high-ranking Cuban officials and believed Cuba would agree to a deal. This came days after he declared Cuba an unusual and serious threat to U.S. security and threatened tariffs on all countries supplying Cuba with oil. However, Cuba has denied any negotiations with the U.S.