Iran Says Last Contact with US Envoy Occurred Before Military Strikes

2026-03-17 02:50:53

(MENAFN) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Tuesday that his most recent communication with US special envoy Steve Witkoff occurred prior to the “illegal military attack” on Iran that began on Feb. 28, according to reports.

"Any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and the public," Araghchi wrote on social media.

His comments came in response to a report by a US news outlet claiming that Araghchi and Witkoff had exchanged text messages aimed at ending the conflict, marking the first known direct communication since hostilities erupted more than two weeks ago.

Iran has refused to surrender and has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US military assets. These actions have disrupted global markets, affected aviation, and blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil shipments.

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