U.S. Envoy Says No Iran Talks Underway, Urges Consensus for Any Deal

Overview

• Steve Whitkoff, identified as the U.S. president's special envoy, said Washington is not engaged in negotiations with Tehran.
• He noted that contacts between the United States and Iran have taken place despite the absence of formal talks.
• Whitkoff said any prospective agreement should rest on consensus among the parties involved.
• He warned that a failure to achieve such consensus would be a negative outcome for Iran and for global interests.
• The comments were made in a CNBC interview reported by RIA Novosti on January 21, outlining the current U.S. diplomatic posture.