Complex Message Exchange Links Washington and Tehran Amid Secrecy

Bloomberg reported that the exchange of messages between Tehran and Washington occurs through a complex network involving messengers and intermediaries, designed to keep the whereabouts of Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, confidential.

The agency cited American officials, analysts, and informed sources explaining that proposals from U.S. negotiators pass through indirect diplomatic channels, often involving Iranian messengers to obscure Khamenei's location.

According to these sources, the communication between the United States and Iran resembles a slow and complicated process rather than direct negotiations, with message exchanges potentially taking several days.

Bloomberg added that Iran's weak internet connectivity during the conflict further complicated communication, with some messages sent via WhatsApp taking up to 48 hours to be delivered.

Sources indicated that American messages initially go through Pakistani officials, who then transmit them to Tehran through phone calls and personal visits.

A senior official in President Donald Trump's administration noted that even if Washington accepted all of Iran's demands, signing any agreement would still require five days.

The sources also confirmed that President Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, maintains a direct communication channel with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a channel the United States uses frequently.

Bloomberg also reported that the United Arab Emirates decided to hold its first direct meeting with Iranian representatives since the conflict began, expressing frustration over the slow pace of negotiations.

In parallel, Bloomberg conveyed on Thursday that the UAE conducted this week its first direct meeting with Iranian officials since the outbreak of the conflict.

Following U.S.-Israeli strikes and a series of sabotage operations targeting its leadership, Iranian authorities imposed strict restrictions on access to foreign websites and applications for security reasons.

However, international internet access has gradually resumed some activity in Tehran starting last Tuesday, according to the agency's correspondent.