In a surprising diplomatic turn, Iran is reportedly willing to accept an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to hold talks on a potential ceasefire with Israel, according to the New York Times, citing a senior Iranian official.
The report states that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is open to a direct meeting with U.S. representatives to discuss conditions for a ceasefire. This development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with active confrontations between Israel and Iran across various fronts.
President Trump, who has expressed his desire to broker a deal with Iran, has named either U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, or Vice President JD Vance as potential representatives to engage with Iranian officials.
According to American media, Witkoff has already established contact with Araghchi, indicating that back-channel negotiations may already be underway.
However, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, dismissed Trump’s previous claims that Iran had requested a meeting, stating firmly, “We will not surrender.”
On the Israeli side, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar flatly rejected any notion of talks with Iran, telling reporters, “There are no negotiations,” and affirming that Israel’s military campaign “will continue until our goals are met.”
Despite the conflicting messages, analysts see these statements more as strategic pressure tactics than final positions. Nevertheless, the emergence of diplomatic dialogue in such a volatile context brings a glimmer of hope for de-escalation.
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The New York Times reports that Iran is open to a meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss a possible ceasefire with Israel. Contacts have reportedly been made between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi. While both Khamenei and Israel maintain firm stances, the potential for dialogue remains.