Istanbul: Iran and the E3 nations, consisting of France, Germany, and Britain, have reached an agreement to resume nuclear talks this Friday in Istanbul, according to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV. The discussions mark a significant step as the involved parties aim to address ongoing concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear program. The broadcaster confirmed that the resumption of negotiations will take place in the Turkish city, highlighting the continued diplomatic efforts between Iran and the European troika.

According to Anadolu Agency, the renewed talks come after a previous announcement that the four parties had agreed in principle to continue negotiations within the week, although specifics regarding the timing and location had not been disclosed initially. This development emphasizes the ongoing commitment of the involved nations to engage in diplomatic dialogue and seek a resolution to the nuclear issue.

In other significant news, a pause in hostilities has been declared in Syria. The US special envoy for Syria announced that all parties in the region have agreed to cease violence from 5 pm Damascus time on Sunday. The envoy emphasized the importance of this agreement in preventing further escalation, safeguarding civilians, and allowing humanitarian access.

Additionally, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, as reported by the regional branch of the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 5 kilometers with its epicenter located 161 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the administrative center of the region.