Report: Direct Communication Channel Between Witkoff and Araqchi Reactivated for the First Time Since the Outbreak of War

SadaNews - A news report stated that the direct communication channel between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has been reactivated in recent days, after continuous interruption since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. This was according to a report by Axios' correspondent and Israel's Channel 12 on Monday evening, citing an American official and an informed source; the report mentioned that Araqchi sent text messages to Witkoff regarding the issue of ending the war. The sources indicated that these messages represent the first known direct communication between the two sides since the war began. The sources did not clarify how many messages were exchanged or their detailed content. In a different account, the American site "Dropsite News" reported that Witkoff initiated sending messages to Araqchi. The site quoted Iranian officials saying that the Iranian foreign minister ignored the U.S. envoy's messages. However, the American official who spoke to Axios stated that Araqchi was the one who attempted to open a communication channel. He added that the United States is "not in talks" with Iran. In related context, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran has reached out to the United States. However, he noted that it is unclear whether the Iranian officials behind these communications are authorized to make an agreement. Trump told reporters: "They want to make a deal. They are talking to people that we have... they have people who want to negotiate, but we don’t know who they are." Despite his skepticism about Tehran's willingness to reach an agreement, Trump said he does not oppose engaging in talks with the Iranians. In related context, a senior U.S. official rejected Iran's demand for "compensation" as part of any agreement to end the war. However, he said that Trump is open to an agreement that allows Iran to "integrate with the rest of the world and benefit from oil revenues." The official added: "The president is always open to making a deal, but he will not negotiate from a position of weakness, and he will not back down from the reasons that led to the outbreak of this conflict." In contrast, Iranian officials in recent days have confirmed that Tehran is not conducting any ceasefire negotiations with the Trump administration. The officials added that Iran does not wish for a temporary ceasefire that would allow the United States and Israel to reorganize and then resume attacks. They stated that Tehran wants guarantees that any agreement will be permanent and ensure that the war on Iran will not be repeated. The report indicated that Araqchi was not viewed in Washington before the war as one of the main decision-makers in Iran. U.S. officials also stated that they do not believe he currently has the authority to make critical decisions. However, sources indicated that the Iranian foreign minister is coordinating with the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani. American circles see Araqchi as the most realistic communication channel at this time. This is due, according to the report, "to the existence of a previous relationship with him, in addition to the fact that he is still alive."