US messages via Witkoff and intermediaries are not negotiations: Araghchi

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is exchanging messages with the United States through Steve Witkoff and intermediaries, but denied these constitute formal negotiations or indicate any restoration of trust between the two nations. The distinction is significant because it suggests Iran is willing to maintain some communication channel with the Trump administration while rejecting any implication of a diplomatic thaw. Araghchi's clarification comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. The statement indicates Iran is keeping diplomatic lines open but remains unwilling to characterize current contacts as substantive talks. This positioning allows Tehran to communicate its positions while avoiding language that might suggest concessions or shifts in its stance toward Washington.