ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a notable shift amid escalating regional tensions, the United States and Iran have resumed direct communication, with diplomatic sources confirming a series of phone calls between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
The rare direct engagement, initiated by Washington, comes as Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets continue to fuel instability across the Middle East. The discussions reportedly aim to defuse the crisis and explore avenues for renewed diplomacy.
Diplomatic Outreach Amid Crisis
Three diplomats familiar with the matter told Reuters that the recent phone exchanges represent the most substantial contact between Tehran and Washington since the restart of indirect nuclear negotiations in April. Tehran has reportedly conditioned any return to formal talks on a halt to Israeli military operations, which began on June 13.
Araqchi is said to have told Witkoff that Iran “could show flexibility on the nuclear issue” if the United States were to use its influence to stop Israel’s offensive.
A regional diplomat close to Tehran echoed this view, confirming that Iran’s willingness to reengage hinges on “an immediate cessation of Israeli strikes.”
Enrichment Consortium Proposal Revisited
The talks also revisited a U.S.-led proposal from May that called for the establishment of a regional uranium enrichment consortium outside Iran. Tehran has thus far rejected the idea, citing sovereignty concerns. Neither Iranian nor American officials have issued public statements on the matter.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has consistently upheld Iran’s right to enrich uranium on its own soil as “non-negotiable,” putting it at odds with the U.S. stance.
Trump’s Role and Diplomatic Openings
Although no longer in office, former U.S. President Donald Trump remains actively engaged in shaping foreign policy discourse. While not ruling out military action, Trump recently hinted that Iranian officials had shown interest in visiting Washington for talks.
Tensions were further inflamed following a statement by French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit in Canada, where he suggested that the U.S. had offered a ceasefire proposal. Trump, however, swiftly denied the claim.
Europe Steps Up Mediation Efforts
European powers—Britain, France, and Germany (the E3)—have continued their mediating role. On Sunday, the three held a ministerial-level call with Araqchi, and further talks are expected this Friday in Geneva, according to EU officials.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed Araqchi’s planned participation in the Geneva discussions, which are set to explore diplomatic solutions to the current hostilities and potentially revive elements of the 2015 nuclear agreement.
A senior EU diplomat told Reuters that both Witkoff and Araqchi had separately expressed openness to a new diplomatic initiative. However, he cautioned that Tehran sees back-channel talks through Europe as the most politically viable option for now.
“For now, the Iranians view a quiet channel through Europe as the most viable route,” the official said. “Public diplomacy with the U.S. would be too costly politically, especially under ongoing airstrikes.”
