Iran has signaled a rare shift in its stance toward Washington, with the country’s leadership reportedly approving talks and a potential agreement, raising hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough amid persistent conflict in the Middle East.
According to Al Arabiya, the development was confirmed by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to US envoy Steve Witkoff, citing Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
“Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has secretly informed US envoy Steve Witkoff that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved talks and a potential deal,” the statement read.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of conflicting claims on Monday, US President Donald Trump said he and Iranian officials had held “very good and productive conversations” and suggested progress toward resolving hostilities, just hours before Iran launched missile strikes on Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities.
Trump also postponed planned military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure following his commentsHowever, senior Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, have publicly denied that direct talks with the US are underway, calling such reports “fake news” aimed at market manipulation and downplaying any formal negotiations.
Details of the potential deal, including its scope, terms and the extent of US engagement, remain unclear. Both Tehran and Washington have yet to issue official statements confirming the discussions. International observers caution that despite indications of progress, mistrust between the sides could complicate any path to a negotiated settlement.
