WASHINGTON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi plan to meet on Friday in Istanbul to discuss a possible nuclear deal and other issues,

US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi plan to meet on Friday in Istanbul to discuss a possible nuclear deal and other issues, a US official said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to meet on Friday in Istanbul to discuss a possible nuclear deal, Axios reported on Monday, citing two sources with knowledge of the matter.

The United States and Russia could embark on an unrestrained nuclear arms race for the first time since the Cold War, unless they reach an eleventh-hour deal before their last remaining arms control treaty expires in less than a week.

Regional expert Fawaz Gerges examines whether there is a diplomatic off-ramp for the U.S. and Iran and explains why Turkey is taking a leading role in mediation.