Three diplomats revealed to Reuters that since Israel began attacking Iran last Friday (June 13), President Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have held multiple phone calls in an attempt to resolve the crisis through diplomatic channels.
According to these diplomats, Araqchi stated that Iran would not return to the negotiating table unless Israel ceases its attacks. Due to the sensitivity of the information, these diplomats requested anonymity. They mentioned that the conversations between Witkoff and Araqchi briefly touched on a proposal made by the US to Iran at the end of May. The proposal aimed to establish a regional alliance for uranium enrichment outside Iran, but Iran has so far rejected the offer.
This week’s phone talks mark the most substantive direct dialogue between the US and Iran since the start of nuclear negotiations. Since April, Araqchi and Witkoff have led their respective teams in five rounds of indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear dispute spanning decades. In these indirect talks, the two engaged in brief discussions after negotiations.
A regional diplomat with close ties to Iran revealed that Araqchi told Witkoff that if the US pressures Israel to end the war, Iran “can show flexibility on the nuclear issue.” A European diplomat stated, “Araqchi told Witkoff that Iran is ready to return to nuclear negotiations, but if Israel continues its bombardment, Iran cannot do so.”
A second regional diplomat told Reuters, “The (first) call was initiated by Washington, which also put forth a new proposal,” to overcome the deadlock caused by conflicting red lines.
US and Iranian officials have not immediately responded to Reuters’ requests for comments.
President Trump hopes that the Iranian regime halts uranium enrichment activities in Iran, while Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has stated that Iran’s uranium enrichment rights are non-negotiable.
As the Israel-Iran conflict escalates, there is increasing attention on whether Trump will decide to have US forces join Israel’s bombing operations.
Israel claims that its bombardment aims to destroy Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities.
President Trump mentioned on Wednesday that Iranian officials want to hold talks at the White House, bringing a glimmer of hope for diplomatic negotiations’ revival.
Britain, France, and Germany held a ministerial-level teleconference with Araqchi last Sunday (June 15). A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, and an EU official stated that these three countries and the EU will meet Araqchi in Geneva on Friday.
Three diplomats revealed that earlier this week, US Secretary of State Rubio and Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi separately met with European officials to discuss potential diplomatic measures.
A senior European diplomat mentioned that the situation at the G7 summit was such that Trump wanted to end military actions promptly and hoped Iran would engage in dialogue with him, while making it clear that if they wished to end the war, they must accept Trump’s demands.
Given Israel’s attacks and Trump’s statements, diplomats indicated that Iran is not prepared for open talks with the US. However, meeting with Europeans seems like a more realistic option for Iran as a link in attempting to advance diplomacy.