JUST IN: Iran, U.S. hold direct talks as Israel-Iran conflict intensifies

Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, and U.S. Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, reportedly held several phone conversations in a bid to de-escalate tensions triggered by Israeli airstrikes that began on June 13.

Three senior diplomats familiar with the development told Reuters that the conversations marked the most substantive direct engagement between both sides since indirect talks resumed in April.

Tehran demands end to Israeli strikes before talks resume

Sources disclosed that Foreign Minister Araqchi informed the U.S. envoy that Iran would not return to nuclear negotiations unless Israel halts its bombardments.

“Araqchi told Witkoff that Tehran could show flexibility on nuclear issues if Washington ensures an end to Israeli attacks,” one regional diplomat revealed.

The two officials had previously exchanged brief words in April during diplomatic encounters in Oman and Italy, but this week’s communication represents a new level of engagement.

U.S. proposes Uranium enrichment outside Iran

The discussions reportedly touched on a U.S. proposal presented in May to shift uranium enrichment outside Iranian territory, through a regional consortium. However, Tehran has rejected the offer.

President Donald Trump has insisted that Iran must completely cease uranium enrichment on its own soil, while Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has declared the right to enrichment “non-negotiable.”

European powers step up mediation efforts

Efforts to break the diplomatic deadlock are ongoing, with European powers—Britain, France, and Germany (E3)—engaging Iran directly.

The E3 held a ministerial call with Araqchi on Sunday, with further high-level talks scheduled in Geneva on Friday.

An EU official and Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed the upcoming meeting.

The U.S. is coordinating its position with European allies through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who participated in the recent G7 summit in Canada.

Trump open to diplomacy but maintains pressure

While the U.S. President has not committed to joining Israel’s military campaign, he acknowledged that Iranian officials had shown interest in coming to Washington for discussions.

At the G7 summit, French President Emmanuel Macron claimed Trump had proposed a ceasefire plan. However, Trump reportedly dismissed that claim, stressing that Iran must accept U.S. conditions for talks to progress.

A senior European diplomat noted, “What emerged from the G7 is that President Trump wants the operations to end swiftly and seeks direct engagement with Tehran—but only on his terms.”

Diplomacy faces uncertain future

With Israeli strikes ongoing and rhetoric from both sides hardening, analysts say Iran cannot publicly engage in talks with the U.S. while appearing weak at home.

Diplomatic efforts are now focused on European mediation, as Tehran may find it more politically viable to negotiate through third parties.

The coming Geneva meeting could determine whether a path to diplomacy remains open, or whether the region slides further into confrontation.