Vance is reportedly seeking direct talks with Iran's national security chief in an effort to end an unpopular war.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), US Vice President J. D. Vance, is considering direct talks with the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Razai, in an effort to end the increasingly unpopular and illegal war.
President Donald Trump authorized Vance to proceed with renewed negotiations, with the vice president reportedly sending Razai a letter in October requesting a meeting. Discussions remain preliminary, with Doha emerging as a possible venue, while Tehran is demanding an end to the US naval blockade, the release of frozen assets and relief from oil sanctions before talks resume.
The WSJ reported that negotiating carries significant political risks for Vance, who has publicly blamed the war for Republican midterm election failures. A diplomatic failure could harm his standing if Iran refuses major concessions, while the end of the war could result in a political victory.
However, Razai dismissed reports of negotiations as "imaginary talks," insisting that Iran "will not remove even one particle of enriched nuclear material from the country."