U.S. sent Iran a message through mediators, Iranian official says

The U.S. has transmitted a message to Iran through intermediaries, according to a senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official, signaling potential openness to diplomatic engagement. The communication represents a rare back-channel contact between the two countries, which have had no formal diplomatic relations since 1980 and remain at odds over Iran's nuclear program, regional activities, and U.S. sanctions. Such mediated messaging typically precedes higher-level negotiations and suggests both sides may be exploring conditions for talks. The Iranian official's public disclosure of the message to CBS News indicates Tehran is at least willing to acknowledge U.S. overtures, though it remains unclear what specific proposals or conditions the U.S. conveyed. Any substantive negotiations would require agreement on fundamental issues including Iran's nuclear enrichment activities and sanctions relief.