AGENCIES

Direct contact between the United States and Iran has broken down amid rising tensions over Tehran’s violent crackdown on protesters and growing fears of US military intervention.

A senior official told Reuters that communication between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff has been suspended.

The development came as US President Donald Trump renewed his threat of “very strong action” on Iran, where rights groups say more than 2,600 people have been killed in one of the biggest protest movements against clerical rule since 1979.

Tehran, meanwhile, warned neighbours hosting US troops that it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.

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