Iran shuts down rumors of backchannel talks with Trump team
Photo: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (Getty Images)
Iran has denied reports that it is trying to establish contacts with the administration of Donald Trump and reach an agreement with the United States on a ceasefire and a diplomatic settlement of the conflict, according to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Iran denies contacts with the US
The head of Iran’s Foreign Ministry commented on media reports about the alleged resumption of his contacts with US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff.
According to him, the last contact took place before the US leader decided to strike Iran, which, as the minister noted, effectively destroyed the diplomatic process.
“My last contact with Mr. Witkoff was prior to his employer's decision to kill diplomacy with another illegal military attack on Iran,” Araghchi said.
He added that “any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and the public.”
Backgroud
Earlier, Axios, citing an unnamed US official, reported that in recent days direct contacts between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had allegedly resumed.
According to media reports, Araghchi “sent Witkoff text messages focusing on ending military actions.”
