Iran's Foreign Minister faces backlash for unauthorized contact with US envoy

Mohsen Rezaei: Mohsen Rezaei is the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, a position he assumed in mid-2026 following his earlier roles as a former IRGC commander and in other high-level security and political posts. He has publicly emphasized Iran's approved negotiation strategies and conditions for engagement with the US. The news quotes him criticizing Araghchi's contact with Witkoff as a major error that deviated from the council's limited plan of conveying conditions through mediators. Steve Witkoff: Steve Witkoff is the US Special Envoy appointed by President Donald Trump, focused on diplomatic negotiations involving Iran and other international matters. In recent months, he has participated in talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and broader efforts related to regional conflicts and de-escalation. The news centers on his reported interaction with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, which drew internal Iranian criticism for lacking proper authorization. Abbas Araghchi: Abbas Araghchi serves as Iran's Foreign Minister, handling diplomatic engagements including meetings with counterparts on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2026. He has been actively involved in discussions on regional security, maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, and relations with the United States under the Trump administration. The news highlights his reported contact with US envoy Steve Witkoff, which Iranian officials described as unauthorized and contrary to approved plans. Internal Criticism: The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported the unauthorized interaction as a major error contrary to Iran's national interests and called for an explanation from the foreign minister. Authorization Process: Iran's Supreme National Security Council had restricted approved diplomatic contacts with the US to the conveyance of seven specific conditions through mediators only.