The anticipated nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, scheduled to occur in Istanbul, have sparked significant diplomatic activity. According to Aaj TV Latest, Iran has expressed a preference for moving the talks to Oman, aiming for a focused discussion on nuclear issues without interference from other regional or political matters. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that the location and timing of the talks are not complex issues, indicating ongoing consultations with the U.S. to find a mutually agreeable venue. Meanwhile, the White House maintains that the talks will proceed as planned, dismissing any uncertainty (Aaj TV Latest, February 04, 2026). In a related development, tensions between the two nations escalated when the U.S. military claimed to have shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. This incident, reported by Reuters and covered by Express News, highlights the fragile state of U.S.-Iran relations amidst efforts to reduce hostilities. The drone, identified as a Shahed-139, was intercepted by an F-35C fighter jet, with no damage or casualties reported on the U.S. side (Express News, February 03, 2026). Despite these tensions, diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan confirming its participation in the Istanbul talks, as reported by Hum News. The negotiations, facilitated through backdoor channels by Pakistan and Turkey, aim to address the ongoing nuclear dispute and reduce regional tensions. The involvement of regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE underscores the broader geopolitical stakes involved (Hum News, February 03, 2026).