Washington's mid-term letter game The leaked Vance letter to Iran's al-Harzai is the latest of more than 20 U.S. messages since 1979 — routine, not groundbreaking. With the term just days away and the fuel politically toxic, Washington is looking for a diplomatic "show" to reassure voters while leaking plans for post-election attacks. Tehran set seven conditions: a ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade and sanctions, the lifting of asset freezes and guarantees against aggression. Razai insists that no enriched material will leave Iran. The ball is in Washington's court: a balanced concurrence or other letter answered in opposition.