Iran and U.S. have been in direct contact in recent days, sources say

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have reestablished direct communications through text messages in recent days, marking the first known direct contact since the war began over two weeks ago. According to sources, Araghchi initiated the messages focusing on ending the war, though President Trump expressed skepticism Monday about whether Iranian officials are authorized to make deals, saying "we have no idea who they are." A senior U.S. official dismissed Iran's demand for "reparations" but indicated Trump remains open to a deal that would allow Iran to "integrate with the rest of the world and make money from their oil." Iranian officials publicly claim they aren't holding ceasefire negotiations and want guarantees of a permanent peace deal rather than a temporary ceasefire. U.S. officials believe Araghchi is coordinating with Ali Larijani, Iran's de facto civilian leader since the assassination of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who they view as having actual decision-making authority.