US, Iran backchannel talks via go-betweens 'making progress': Report

The US and Iran have been exchanging messages through intermediaries, including Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan, over the past two days in an effort to de-escalate, according to a US source cited by Axios.

Senior officials from the three countries held separate talks with White House Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with the Axios report saying mediation is ongoing and “making progress” toward ending the conflict and resolving outstanding issues.

Earlier today (March 23), Trump had announced that  the United States will postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period.

He claimed that the US and  Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the West Asia.

Even as backchannel efforts continue, Trump said the most recent talks with Iran took place “last night,” adding that negotiations led by Witkoff and Jared Kushner could yield a deal within five days or sooner.

Trump told Fox News that his son-in-law Jared Kushner and personal lawyer Steve Witkoff led recent negotiations with Iran as special envoys of the White House.

Also Read: West Asia war: Trump ‘playing his usual games’, no real breakthrough with Iran, says Kanwal Sibal

However, there has been no official response from Iran or Israel so far. However, the Embassy of Iran in Kabul said US President Donald Trump postponed planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure after the Islamic Republic warned it would target energy facilities across the region if attacked, describing the move as a retreat following its “firm warning.”

Also Read: Gift Nifty surges 700 points as Trump delays Iran strikes

Meanwhile, Iran-based semi-government outlets have denied negotiations, with Tehran maintaining that it will continue defending itself, dismissing claims of talks as psychological pressure.

For LIVE Updates on the West Asia war click here