Iranian and European diplomats met Friday in Istanbul in the latest drive to unpick the deadlock over Tehran’s nuclear program.

European and Iranian diplomats have arrived in Istanbul in a renewed effort to resolve the standoff over Tehran's nuclear program. The talks mark the first formal engagement since June's 12-day war between Iran and Israel, a conflict that included U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and heightened tensions across the region.

Iranian state media outlet Tasnim News said that on July 23, at around ten in the morning, the USS Fitzgerald intended to approach the waters around Iran. Iran is seeking to get back some pride in the wake of its drubbing at the hands of Israel and the US during the 12-day war that ended a month ago on June 24.

ISTANBUL: Iranian diplomats will meet counterparts from Germany, Britain and France on Friday for renewed nuclear talks, amid warnings that the three European powers could trigger

The Patriot air defense system is capable of intercepting tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and drones.

Analysts Reuel Marc Gerecht and Ray Takeyh claim that the new ruling elite in Iran has fundamental commitments to building a nuclear bomb and continuing the path of Qassem Soleimani

The warning from Iran’s deputy foreign minister came days before he is set to travel to Istanbul for nuclear talks with European counterparts.

Israel’s leadership views its 12-day war with Iran last month as a success – several Iranian military leaders were killed, Iran’s defensive military capabilities were weakened, and the United States was convinced to take part in a raid on the Iranian nuclear site at Fordow.