Iranian media: Araghchi met Trump envoy despite official warnings

Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Steve Witkoff, the United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, in New York, despite directives from Iranian policy-making bodies.

The agency added that such actions "contradict national interests and should not be undertaken," calling on Araghchi to clarify under what authority or permission the meeting took place.

Tasnim further stated that "the other side has committed whatever crimes it wished and is now adding an air blockade to the maritime blockade. Are we so naïve and idealistic as to appreciate their insistence and agree to meet?"

The agency asserted that the meeting between Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff "serves the American goal of maintaining and increasing pressure on Iran while easing pressure on the United States." It added that the meeting sends a "negative signal," suggesting that "Iran, despite escalating enemy pressure, remains willing to respond to American demands."

The Iranian agency explained that "such meetings between Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff are a major gift to Trump," adding that Araghchi should at least issue a formal apology for the incident.