US and Iran Prepare for Talks Amid Tensions with Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed concerns about potential escalation in the Middle East during his recent visit to the Gulf region. In a news conference in Doha on Thursday, Merz stated that fears of a new conflict with Iran have dominated his conversations with regional leaders.

Merz also urged Iran to end its perceived aggression and engage in talks, saying Germany would work towards de-escalation and regional stability. The warning came ahead of scheduled talks between Iranian and US officials in Muscat on Friday.

Mediators from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt have presented a framework of key principles for discussion during the talks, including Iran’s commitment to limit uranium enrichment. However, both sides appear to be struggling to find common ground on various issues.

The US has expressed its desire for the talks to follow an agreed-upon format, which includes discussions on Iran’s ballistic missiles and other regional concerns. The White House has confirmed that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have arrived in Doha ahead of the talks.

Qatar is playing a key role in facilitating these negotiations, along with Egypt and other regional partners. The US has sent thousands of troops to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier and warships, amid concerns about potential conflict.

The talks come as tensions between Iran and the US remain high following a violent crackdown on protesters last month. The region is bracing for a potential US attack on Iran, with President Donald Trump warning that “bad things” would happen if a deal could not be reached.

Source: Al Jazeera