On October 20, local time, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bagaei said,Iran's contacts with the United States are still conducted indirectly through third parties, but this does not mean that formal negotiations have begun.

Bagae pointed out that negotiations will have practical significance only when all parties reach consensus on the basis of mutual respect for each other's rights and concerns and engage in equal dialogue, which is not yet available.

When asked whether Egypt is the new mediator between Iran and the United States, Bagaei said that the recent diplomatic meetings and contacts between Iran and Egypt mainly focused on the development of the situation in Gaza and the need to immediately stop Israeli atrocities. (Headquarters reporter Wang Yin)