Vice President JD Vance has contacted Iran’s top security official in an effort to revive peace negotiations, as President Donald Trump weighs possible renewed military strikes against Tehran after the November midterm elections, according to reports.
Vance Proposes Direct Talks With Tehran
The Wall Street Journal first reported on Wednesday that Vance wrote to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a former Revolutionary Guards commander. The New York Times subsequently reported that Qatari mediators delivered the letter Sunday.
Citing American and Iranian officials, the Times said Vance offered to lead negotiations that could begin next week in Qatar or Turkey. His letter put Iran’s nuclear program on the agenda. Trump confirmed approving the outreach Wednesday, telling reporters, “He asked me what I thought. I said, ‘If you want to do that, that’s ok.’” While the Journal cited a source saying Trump directed the outreach, the president’s account indicated that Vance sought his approval.
The Vice President previously demanded meaningful nuclear concessions and led unsuccessful talks in Pakistan, where Washington and Tehran struggled to bridge their differences over uranium enrichment and sanctions relief.
The Vice President’s office and the White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
Iran Maintains Conditions Despite Diplomatic Outreach
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled openness to continued talks Wednesday. “While our Brave Armed Forces are fully prepared to defend the Homeland, Iran continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed,” he wrote in an X post, adding that Tehran remained in contact with intermediaries. The Times reported that Iranian leaders received Vance’s proposal positively and expected Rezaei to reply by Thursday.
However, Reuters reported that an Iranian official rejected Qatar’s latest proposals as “unacceptable ideas and not an offer.” Tehran has demanded sanctions relief and an end to Washington’s naval blockade, while the United States continues pressing for nuclear restrictions. Regional mediators have struggled to bridge that gap.
Trump Keeps Renewed Military Strikes Possible
Trump previously declared, “We’re not negotiating with them, we are going to have something one way or another, it’ll happen soon.” The Pentagon has prepared additional strike options targeting Iranian infrastructure if Trump orders another offensive after the elections. Iran has threatened retaliation against regional infrastructure, raising concerns about further disruption to energy supplies.
At the time of writing, Brent Crude oil futures trade around $114.30 per barrel, easing slightly from recent four-year highs near $116, which Reuters notes is due to tentative diplomatic efforts and discussions.
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