Iran Says Araghchi–Witkoff Communication Open, Outlines Conditions for Talks

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said that communication between Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff remains ongoing, dismissing reports that channels between Tehran and Washington have been severed.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Esmail Baqaei said Araghchi never suggested that Iran-US contacts had ended, noting that the official communication channel via the Swiss Embassy is still in place, The Caspian Post reports, citing foreign media.

He added that while contact with Witkoff exists, there is currently no reason to activate it. Baqaei also slammed recent remarks by the US representative at the UN Security Council as hypocritical, stressing that no party can dictate the outcome of negotiations before entering the talks.

He underlined that adherence to negotiation principles is a prerequisite for any diplomatic process, including talks between Iran and the United States, warning that without such commitment, negotiations cannot realistically begin. The spokesman said Iran has consistently upheld diplomacy and supported regional collective efforts.

Baqaei also reaffirmed that Iran-US discussions have remained strictly limited to the nuclear issue, making clear that Tehran will not engage in talks on other subjects due to the absence of any logical justification.