US Vice President JD Vance has reportedly sent a letter to Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, seeking to revive negotiations as President Donald Trump warns Gulf allies to prepare for potential renewed military strikes against Iran.
The diplomatic initiative comes ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, with Washington reportedly considering a brief but intensive military campaign if negotiations fail.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Vance’s letter seeks to establish a framework for negotiations rather than propose specific peace terms.
The New York Times reported that Qatari mediators delivered the message on Sunday, with Vance proposing direct talks between American and Iranian officials.
The vice president reportedly offered to lead the US delegation, potentially meeting Iranian representatives in Qatar or Turkiye as early as next week.
Any negotiations would address Iran’s nuclear programme from the outset.
Iran has not formally responded, although US media reported that its leadership received the initiative positively.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated Wednesday that Tehran remained engaged with mediators and continued pursuing diplomatic solutions.
Rezaei is reportedly expected to respond Thursday.
Trump disputed reports that he personally directed the outreach, describing Vance’s contact primarily as an effort to facilitate medical assistance to Iran.
However, he acknowledged approving the vice president’s initiative.
The diplomatic effort coincides with reports that Washington has advised Gulf allies to prepare for possible military operations following the midterm elections.
Trump has not made a final decision on additional strikes, according to officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.
Iran has warned that renewed US-Israeli attacks could trigger retaliation against regional energy infrastructure, undersea cables, data centres and artificial intelligence facilities.
Saudi Arabian and Qatari diplomats, alongside Pakistani and Turkish officials, participated in discussions with Iranian representatives in Tehran on Monday.
The continuing confrontation follows US and Israeli strikes launched in February, which disrupted Gulf energy shipments and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts cited by Al Jazeera warned that further escalation remains likely despite renewed diplomatic contacts, highlighting uncertainty over whether Vance’s initiative can prevent another military confrontation.