Recent developments highlight escalating tensions and diplomatic efforts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief Eyal Zamir in Jerusalem to discuss Iran, which Netanyahu warned should not be trusted. Following Iran's order to start nuclear talks with the U.S., Witkoff is also set to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Istanbul on Friday, amid regional mediation efforts by Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt. Meanwhile, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the initiation of nuclear negotiations with the U.S., after Tehran's deadly crackdown on protests and Trump's threats of military action, including deploying an aircraft carrier group. Iran has also warned of targeting Israel and U.S. military assets if strikes occur. The U.S. military shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, which Iran claims was on a surveillance mission in international waters. Iran's armed forces also ordered gunboats to stop a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s readiness for any scenario, as casualties in Gaza continue with at least three killed and 15 wounded by Israeli fire, amid ongoing conflict with Hamas. The situation remains volatile with regional and international diplomatic maneuvers, including Russia’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and process Iran’s enriched uranium, and ongoing military clashes and protests across the Middle East.