US and Iran have reestablished a direct line of communication

It is unclear how substantive the communications between Araghchi and Whitcoff were, but this is the first known instance of direct communication between the two sides since the war began more than two weeks ago, Axios reports.

Araghchi denied having communicated with Whitcoff.

“My last contact with Whitcoff took place before his employer decided to destroy diplomacy with yet another illegal military attack on Iran. Any claims to the contrary are likely intended solely to mislead oil traders and the public,” he said.

When asked about this record, the U.S. official stated that Araghchi was lying and that he himself had initiated contact with Whitcoff.

Araghchi sent Whitcoff text messages focused on ending the war.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran had contacted the U.S., but that it was unclear whether Iranian officials authorized to conclude a deal were involved.

Iranian officials have publicly stated in recent days that they are not conducting any ceasefire negotiations with the Trump administration.

Iran is not interested in a temporary ceasefire that would allow the U.S. and Israel to regroup and attack again; rather, it wants guarantees that any peace agreement will be permanent.

Before the war, Araghchi was not considered a key decision-maker in Iran, and U.S. officials do not believe he has the authority to make decisions now.

Iran's foreign minister appears to be coordinating his actions with Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, who has been Iran's de facto civilian leader since the assassination of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

U.S. officials consider Araghchi the primary negotiator, as they already have a relationship with him and he is still alive.

Photo: aa.com.tr.