Iran rejects US envoys in mediation talks, questions their credibility

Iran has expressed strong reservations about key US-linked figures involved in mediation efforts, telling intermediaries it does not trust envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and does not want them involved in future negotiations. According to a diplomatic source cited in discussions held in Ankara, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi conveyed Tehran’s position during contacts with Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as part of ongoing mediation efforts. The source said Iran considers the two envoys unreliable interlocutors, describing previous engagements with them as “not constructive,” and signalling a preference for alternative channels in any future diplomatic process. Tehran reportedly indicated that it would favour indirect communication through third parties rather than engaging with figures it does not trust, […]