Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan have conveyed messages between the United States and Iran over the past two days, according to sources cited by Axios reporter Barak Ravid, pointing to an active backchannel effort to de-escalate the conflict.
A US source cited by Axios said the three countries acted as intermediaries, relaying positions between Washington and Tehran as both sides explored ways to end hostilities and address outstanding issues.
Senior officials from the three countries held separate talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the source told Axios.
“The mediation is ongoing and making progress. The discussion is about ending the war and resolving all outstanding issues. We hope to have answers soon,” the source added.
US links diplomatic progress to military pause
The disclosure of indirect messaging comes as President Donald Trump ordered a five-day postponement of planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure.
Trump said the decision followed “very good and productive conversations” over the past two days aimed at a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities.
He added that discussions would continue through the week, with the military pause contingent on progress in ongoing engagements.
Iran disputes existence of talks
Iranian state media rejected the US account, with Fars News Agency citing a senior security official who said there had been no direct or indirect communication with Washington.
“There has been no negotiation and there is no negotiation,” the official said, describing reports of talks as “psychological warfare.”
Despite the denial, Iranian officials acknowledged that regional countries were attempting to reduce tensions, according to Axios.
Mediation fits broader pattern of indirect diplomacy
According to the Axios report, in recent weeks, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Abbas Araghchi have exchanged messages through indirect channels, marking the first known communication since the current phase of the conflict began.
Countries including Turkey and Egypt have previously engaged both sides in parallel diplomatic outreach, while Pakistan has maintained a neutral stance and called for de-escalation amid the widening conflict.
Conflict escalation frames urgency of talks
The mediation push comes amid rising tensions over energy infrastructure and maritime routes.
Trump had earlier issued an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power infrastructure, while Iran warned it could deploy naval mines in the Persian Gulf and target regional energy assets if attacked.
The conflict, which escalated after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has since expanded across West Asia, with repeated threats targeting critical energy corridors.
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