Media: Iran has ceased direct contacts with the US

Iran has ceased direct diplomatic contacts with the United States after American President Donald Trump's threat to "destroy Iranian civilization."

This is reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing sources. According to the newspaper, negotiations through intermediaries are still continuing.

Sources stated that the refusal of direct contacts has complicated efforts to reach an agreement before the deadline set by Trump (before 04:00 on April 8, Baku time - ed.). A source told the publication that Iran planned to send a signal of "disapproval and defiance by cutting off communication."

Two Pakistani officials told Reuters that Pakistan is maintaining contact with Iran and the United States, but the main issue lies in the Iranian authorities' refusal to negotiate until preconditions are met. These include a complete ceasefire, security guarantees for the Islamic Republic, and reparations payments. The Iranian authorities have already rejected the option of a truce to begin discussing an agreement.