Iranian state TV says Istanbul to host for nuclear talks between Iran and world powers

The Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran's state media says Istanbul has been confirmed as the venue for a new round of talks scheduled for this week between Tehran and the six major powers over the Islamic Republic's disputed nuclear program.

Iran's official English-language Press TV cited anonymous sources in its report Sunday that the negotiations would take place in Istanbul.

While Iran has considered Istanbul an acceptable location for talks, Tehran had proposed other venues — such as Iraq or China — for the negotiations scheduled to start Friday as Iran's ties with Turkey have soured over the crisis in Syria.

The suggestions of alternative sites raised the possibility of complications to get talks under way as expected on April 13 between Iran and envoys from the five permanent U.N. Security Council members and Germany.