A high-stakes effort by U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to convene U.S.-Iranian talks in Istanbul collapsed this week, Axios reports. The failure came as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly in hiding due to Israeli assassination threats, could not be reached to approve the meeting.

According to multiple U.S. officials and sources with direct knowledge, Erdoğan offered to host the meeting, and Trump agreed — even volunteering to attend personally if needed. Vice President Vance and White House envoy Steve Witkoff were prepared to travel to Türkiye, but without Khamenei's approval, Iranian President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Aragchi were unable to proceed.

Khamenei Silent, Trump Frustrated

After hours of no contact from Tehran, Turkey informed the U.S. that the meeting was off. Trump later posted on Truth Social: “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON… Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

A White House official downplayed a direct link between the post and the diplomatic collapse but acknowledged Trump’s frustration and heightened sense of urgency. The Iranian side continues to insist no negotiations will happen unless Israel halts its bombardment.

Military Strike Gaining Momentum

On Saturday morning, six B-2 stealth bombers left their Missouri base, possibly en route to the Middle East. These aircraft can carry 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs, the type needed to hit Iran’s deeply buried Fordow nuclear site — a facility Trump recently said Israel “cannot destroy on its own.”

Trump has promised a final decision on U.S. involvement in the war within two weeks, saying: “We’re gonna see what that period of time is.”

Diplomatic Channels Narrow as Conflict Deepens

Despite Iran reportedly floating the idea of talks at the White House, Trump told reporters the opportunity may have passed. “It’s getting very late,” he said, emphasizing the limited diplomatic window before the U.S. might join Israel’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Erdoğan, still hoping to mediate, met again with Iranian FM Aragchi in Istanbul, urging him to re-engage with the U.S. directly — but the initiative remains stalled under the shadow of war.