US Official Reveals Exchange of Messages Between Washington, Tehran

Caption: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking. AAWSAT AR
Caption: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking. AAWSAT AR
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US Official Reveals Exchange of Messages Between Washington, Tehran

Caption: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking. AAWSAT AR
Caption: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking. AAWSAT AR

A US official revealed that Washington exchanged letters with Iran through channels via mediators from Gulf and other countries, confirming his country’s willingness to negotiate directly with Tehran.

Tim Lenderking, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs in the Near East Bureau at the US Department of State said Washington wanted to hold direct negotiations with Tehran but the Iranians refused and continued with their evil actions.

Speaking Wednesday at the 29th Annual Arab-US Policymakers Conference, the US official said there is a US desire, even with the current administration of Donald Trump, to hold talks with Iran.

"One of the most important issues discussed by the current US administration during this important period is Washington’s desire to preserve its good ties in the region, and preserve common interests in the Gulf and the Middle East in general."

Lenderking did not reveal the names of the countries who mediated between the US and Tehran nor the time of the letters. However, the US official hoped that Washington and Tehran could reach a deal to hold direct talks on terms that both sides agree on.



Trump Says He Spoke to Putin About Ukraine, Iran

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to China, former US Senator David Perdue, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, May 7, 2025. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to China, former US Senator David Perdue, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, May 7, 2025. (Reuters)
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Trump Says He Spoke to Putin About Ukraine, Iran

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to China, former US Senator David Perdue, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, May 7, 2025. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to China, former US Senator David Perdue, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, May 7, 2025. (Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he discussed the recent drone attacks by Ukraine on Russia and developments concerning Iran in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the conversation, Putin told Trump that Russia will have to respond to the Ukrainian drone attacks, the US president said.

"It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace," he said in a Truth Social Post.

"I stated to President Putin that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and, on this, I believe that we were in agreement."