Overview
- White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said an Iranian official contacted special envoy Steve Witkoff with a markedly different tone than Iran's public rhetoric.
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Abbas Araghchi and Witkoff maintain an open channel and that messages also move through Swiss mediation.
- Two sources told Axios the outreach appeared aimed at de-escalation or buying time, and that Araghchi and Witkoff discussed holding a meeting in the coming days.
- President Trump said a meeting is being arranged but warned the U.S. may act beforehand and noted he is considering very strong options.
- Trump is expected to convene his national security team on Tuesday to review responses as unrest in Iran continues following protests that began on Dec. 29.