Iran's Araghchi confirms contact with US envoy Witkoff, denies negotiations

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said he is receiving direct messages from the United States, but insisted they do not amount to negotiations, as Tehran hardens its stance on ending the war.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi said communications have taken place with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, though often indirectly.

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

He added that some of the messages were delivered through intermediaries. “The messages include threats or exchanged views delivered through ‘friends’,” he said, signalling a mix of warning and backchannel communication.

Araghchi stressed that Iran has not entered into any formal talks with Washington and has not responded to proposals put forward by the United States.

“We have not sent any response to the 15 American proposals, nor have we submitted any proposals or conditions,” he told Al Jazeera.

He said all communications are being handled under official oversight. “All messages are conveyed through the Foreign Ministry or received by it, and there are communications between security agencies,” he said.

The foreign minister also drew a clear line on how Iran views a potential pause in fighting. “We will not accept ceasefire, only end to war,” Araghchi said, indicating Tehran is unwilling to agree to a temporary halt in hostilities without a broader settlement.

He added that Iran is seeking a complete cessation of conflict across the region, rather than a limited or short-term truce.

Araghchi’s remarks point to ongoing backchannel exchanges between Tehran and Washington, even as both sides publicly deny formal negotiations.

He said Iran has not yet made any decision on entering talks and continues to hold reservations about engaging with the United States.

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