Vance Opens Direct Channel to Iran Hard‑liner Amid Trump’s Threats of New Strikes

U.S. Vice‑President John D. Vance has sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and former IRGC commander, in an attempt to revive peace negotiations, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The outreach was reportedly carried out at President Donald Trump’s direction, with the president aware of the initiative.

Trump has denied instructing Vance to start talks, saying the contact concerned medical supplies for people in need. “Iran needs help with medical supplies,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews.

The move comes as Trump weighs a short, intense new attack on Iran after the U.S. mid‑term elections next week. Vance seeks to determine whether diplomacy can avert another round of fighting, though no detailed proposal has emerged.

Rezaei has said Iran will not negotiate until its core demands are met. The outreach could shift the diplomatic process, potentially sidelining figures such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Vance’s dual role—publicly supporting the war while privately expressing reservations—adds complexity. He has previously argued for robust diplomacy and was appointed lead negotiator after Trump’s February “Operation Epic Fury.”

A June memorandum of understanding collapsed after two weeks, and subsequent talks mediated by Qatar and Pakistan failed to break the deadlock. Washington wants upfront nuclear concessions; Tehran demands immediate economic relief.

Rezaei’s emergence as a key interlocutor could reshape negotiations, especially as the threat of renewed U.S. attacks grows. Earlier this month he warned Iran could target the UAE and regional data centers.

Trump’s stance oscillates between pursuing a settlement and threatening military action, with dismantling Iran’s nuclear program a central priority. He has said the war will end only when he decides it should.

Whether Vance’s back‑channel can create a viable diplomatic path before another attack is ordered remains an open question.