Araghchi: Messages exchanged with US envoy, but no negotiations underway

Iran’s foreign minister has confirmed that messages have been exchanged with the United States but insisted that no negotiations are taking place, amid heightened regional tensions and reports of indirect diplomacy involving intermediaries.

Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that contacts with the US, including through regional channels, should not be interpreted as formal talks.

“I receive messages from [US special envoy Steve] Witkoff directly, as before, and this does not mean that we are in negotiations,” he said.

“There is no truth to the claim of negotiations with any party in Iran. All messages are conveyed through the Foreign Ministry or received by it, and there are communications between security agencies,” he said.

The comments come as US President Donald Trump has signalled ongoing efforts to engage Tehran over the conflict, while Washington maintains pressure through military and diplomatic channels. US special envoy Steve Witkoff has been identified as a key intermediary in communications with Tehran.

Araghchi said Iran remains sceptical of negotiations with Washington, citing past experience with the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US later withdrew.

“We do not have any faith that negotiations with the US will yield any results. The trust level is at zero”, he said, adding: “We don’t see honesty.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has echoed similar concerns, stating that diplomacy has been undermined during periods of engagement, while reiterating that Tehran is open to ending hostilities under certain conditions.

On the US side, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington remains willing to pursue an agreement but warned of continued military pressure if talks fail.

Regional diplomacy has also involved other actors, including European Council President Antonio Costa, as European partners seek to de-escalate tensions.

Araghchi also addressed the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that Iran views the waterway as part of its territorial domain alongside Oman, and suggesting restrictions could apply in wartime conditions.

He said the strait could remain open to neutral shipping but added that security considerations and insurance costs have already affected maritime traffic in the area.

Amid speculation about possible US military escalation, Araghchi maintained that Iran is prepared to respond.

“We are waiting for them,” he said, adding: “I don’t think they’d dare to do such a thing. There will be a lot of strength waiting for them.”

“We know very well how to defend ourselves. In a ground war, we can do it even better. We are completely ready to confront any sort of ground attack. We hope they do not make such a mistake,” Araghchi said.

Tehran also confirmed it has not formally responded to a 15-point US proposal reportedly aimed at ending the conflict, which includes limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, underscoring that no structured negotiation process is currently underway despite ongoing communication channels.

By Aghakazim Guliyev