U.S. sent Iran a message through mediators as Trump signals he's open to a deal, Iranian official says - CBS News

CBS News
March 24, 2026
3 min read

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The US conveyed a message to Iran through intermediaries as Trump signals openness to negotiating with Tehran.

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The United States has conveyed a message to Iran through intermediaries while President Trump signals openness to negotiating with Tehran, according to an Iranian official. The contact reflects a potential shift in approach toward Iran after years of escalating tensions and Trump's previous "maximum pressure" campaign during his first term. Trump's willingness to engage stands in contrast to his administration's earlier hardline stance on Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. The development suggests the White House may be exploring diplomatic channels ahead of any formal talks. Direct communication between Washington and Tehran remains rare, making back-channel messaging a traditional method for both sides to test intentions without public commitment.

What's Being Done

The White House is exploring diplomatic channels through back-channel messaging to test intentions without public commitment.

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