rki.news
Sources: Xinhua
TEHRAN, March 17: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has firmly denied reports suggesting that he recently held contacts with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy of the U.S. president.
In a statement posted early Tuesday on the social media platform X, Araghchi rejected a report by U.S. media outlet Axios that claimed new communications had taken place between the two sides, as the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran entered its 18th day.
Araghchi said his last contact with Witkoff occurred before what he described as Washington’s decision to “kill diplomacy” through another illegal military attack on Iran.
“My last contact with Mr. Witkoff was prior to his employer’s decision to kill diplomacy with another illegal military attack on Iran,” he wrote.
The Iranian foreign minister also dismissed suggestions of renewed communication, saying any such claims were aimed at misleading oil markets and the public.
The current tensions follow joint military strikes launched by Israel and the United States on Feb. 28 against Tehran and several other Iranian cities. According to Iranian authorities, the attacks killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders and civilians.
Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions and U.S. military assets and bases across the Middle East.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday, Araghchi said Iran had not sent any message to the United States requesting a ceasefire. He stressed that the conflict must end in a way that prevents its recurrence in the future