The Times of Israel Daily Briefing What's on the table for US-Iran nuclear talks in Turkey?
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Feb 3, 2026 
Lazar Berman, diplomatic correspondent covering Israeli foreign policy and Iran, walks through reopening of Rafah and its limits. He outlines what might be on the US–Iran agenda in Istanbul: nuclear file, missiles and regional proxies. He also discusses the chances of military action, U.S. force posture, and why diplomacy offers face-saving options for both sides.
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Rafah Opening Was Symbolic, Not Full
- Rafah crossing reopened symbolically but processed far fewer people than planned on day one.
- Lazar Berman expects numbers to grow as operational kinks are resolved.
Scope Limits Reduce Deal Chances
- U.S.-Iran talks may cover nuclear, ballistic missiles, and Iran's proxy networks, but Iran prefers limiting scope to nuclear issues.
- Lazar Berman doubts Iran will concede on proxies, reducing odds of a comprehensive deal and increasing military risk.
Diplomacy As Pretext For Potential Strike
- Failed diplomacy raises the probability of U.S. military action according to Lazar Berman.
- He frames talks as offering diplomacy first, but failure provides political cover for a strike.