[Iranian Foreign Minister Denies Any Recent Contact with U.S. Presidential Envoy] Golden Finance reported on March 18 that Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi on the 17th denied having any new contact with U.S. Presidential Envoy Whitkoff, stating that their last interaction occurred before the U.S. and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran. On March 16, the U.S. news website Axios reported that the direct communication channel between Whitkoff and Araghchi had recently been reopened. Earlier on the 17th, Araghchi posted on social media, responding: 'The last time I had contact with Whitkoff was before his employer decided to stifle diplomatic efforts with yet another illegal military action.' Araghchi added: 'Any claims to the contrary seem to be merely aimed at misleading oil traders and the public.' (Xinhua News Agency)