Witkoff-Araghchi Backchannel Disputed: Both Sides Deny Active Contact as Diplomacy Stalls

Conflicting reports emerged about backchannel communications between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi. US sources claimed Araghchi sent text messages focused on ending the war; Drop Site News reported Witkoff sent messages that Araghchi ignored. Iran's FM denied any contact since 'before his employer decided to end diplomacy.' Iran has rejected two ceasefire messages, insisting the war must end entirely rather than pause. The diplomatic confusion suggests neither side has a viable off-ramp.