TEHRAN, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday denied reports that he had been in contact with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on various issues, including the resumption of nuclear negotiations.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran, Araghchi responded to a report by the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida daily, which claimed that he had engaged with Witkoff regarding the possible resumption of nuclear negotiations and that Witkoff had sought Iran's support for U.S. President Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal in Gaza, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Araghchi said, "I have not had any contact with Witkoff. The Kuwaiti newspaper's speculation is incorrect, and I deny it. There has been no contact."

Citing an informed source in the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Al-Jarida claimed that the nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, which were suspended before the sixth round owing to Israel's surprise attack on Iran in June, have gained new momentum following a series of communications aimed at restoring dialogue.

It added that the latest conversation between Araghchi and Witkoff reportedly occurred last Saturday, during which both sides agreed on the need to return to the negotiating table. The source added that secret preparatory meetings could be held next week in Oman or Qatar to coordinate before officially resuming talks, according to the Kuwaiti daily. Enditem