Witkoff and Araqchi Hold Calls Amid Israel-Iran Tensions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held multiple direct calls as Israeli strikes intensified. Tehran says it will resume diplomatic talks only if Israel stops targeting its nuclear program. U.S. proposes regional uranium deal; European ministers plan Friday’s Geneva meeting with Iran.
Direct U.S.–Iran Calls Amid Israel-Iran Tensions + Quick Looks:
- Witkoff and Araqchi spoke by phone several times since Israeli airstrikes began on June 13
- Iran demands Israel halt attacks before resuming nuclear dialogue
- U.S. offered proposal for regional uranium enrichment consortium in late May
- Tehran rejected proposal, but hinted at flexibility if Israel stops fighting
- First direct substantive talks between U.S. envoy and Iranian foreign minister
- Trump insists Iran cease enrichment, Supreme Leader Khamenei deems it non-negotiable
- European powers (UK, France, Germany, EU) to meet Araqchi in Geneva Friday
- Diplomacy continues through “E3 + U.S.” coordination amid battlefield escalation
Witkoff and Araqchi Hold Calls Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Deep Look
Direct diplomatic engagement amid rising conflict
For the first time since formal indirect discussions began in April, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have engaged in several direct phone conversations since Israel escalated its airstrikes on Iran last week. This marks a significant shift in diplomatic approach, as confirmed by three diplomats speaking to Reuters.
Conditions for renewed diplomacy
According to diplomats, Araqchi has made it clear that Tehran will not re-enter nuclear negotiations unless Israel ceases its military actions. The firm stance reflects escalating tensions following Israeli strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites, including the Arak heavy water reactor.
U.S. regional offer on uranium
The calls revisited a late-May U.S. proposal for a regional uranium enrichment consortium based outside Iran—a concept Iran has declined but hinted it might revisit if military operations halt. A regional diplomat close to Tehran explained that Araqchi told Witkoff Tehran “could show flexibility in the nuclear issue,” provided Washington influences Israel to stand down.
Historical context of the dialogue
Until these recent exchanges, Washington and Tehran had only engaged indirectly, such as brief encounters at development-focused meetings in Oman and Italy. These recent phone calls represent the first substantive direct U.S.–Iran engagement since the escalation began.
Competing nuclear sacred cows
U.S. President Trump has demanded that Iran end uranium enrichment on its soil, while Supreme Leader Khamenei asserts that enrichment is a non-negotiable national right. With Trump weighing regional military support to Israel, diplomacy remains on a razor’s edge. He’s indicated willingness to resume diplomacy if Tehran agrees—and earlier suggested Iranian officials might come to Washington to talk.
European diplomacy on track
Meanwhile, European powers—the E3 (UK, France, Germany)—coordinated with Secretary Rubio at the recent G7 summit, then held a ministerial-level call with Araqchi on Sunday. A larger E3+EU delegation is scheduled to meet him in Geneva on Friday, aiming to bridge U.S.–Iran gaps. Three diplomats confirmed to Reuters that both Rubio and Araqchi spoke to European ministers on separate occasions this week, sharing plans for diplomatic overtures.
U.S.–E3 alignment and Tehran’s positioning
A senior European diplomat recounted that at the G7, Trump emphasized a swift cessation of hostilities and a readiness to negotiate directly with Iran, as long as Tehran meets U.S. conditions. Despite the U.S.–Iran phone contact, Iranian officials prefer the Europeans as mediators and intermediaries, especially while active military operations continue.
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