Amid reports of a rising death toll during anti-government protests in Iran and escalating tensions with the United States, new information suggests that direct contacts between Washington and Tehran may have taken place.
According to the U.S. outlet Axios, citing sources familiar with the matter, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, over the weekend to discuss the ongoing protests and the deteriorating situation in Iran.
The reported outreach is seen as a move by Tehran to de-escalate tensions with the United States, or possibly to delay potential U.S. military action, which President Trump has warned could follow Iran’s violent crackdown on demonstrators. The information was also relayed by The Times of Israel.
One source indicated that the two officials discussed the possibility of holding a direct meeting in the coming days, though it remains unclear whether the communication occurred via phone calls or written messages.
Both the U.S. State Department and the White House declined to comment on the reported contacts. However, the White House has reiterated that diplomacy remains the preferred and first option in addressing the crisis with Iran, despite Trump’s repeated warnings that all options remain on the table.
The developments come as international pressure mounts on Tehran, with growing concern over human rights violations and regional stability.
