US Vice President Vance Sends Secret Message to Iran's Rezaei

U.S. Vice President J.D. This development, reported by The Wall Street Journal on October 29, stems from President Donald Trump's threats to resume hostilities, potentially after the November 3 midterm elections. Vance reportedly sent Rezaei a letter aimed at restarting negotiations between Washington and Tehran, a move confirmed by U.S. sources to be at Trump's direction and with his knowledge.

The vice president is exploring potential common ground with Iran that could dissuade Trump from ordering a renewed military campaign. The administration believes engaging directly with hardline factions, such as those represented by Rezaei, might yield better diplomatic outcomes. This comes as the WSJ also reported on October 28 that the U.S. had urged several Gulf Arab nations to prepare for a swift, intense military operation post-election.

Earlier, Trump had stated the U.S. was not negotiating with Iran, hinting at imminent action by saying, "We are not negotiating with them. One way or another, something will happen, and it will happen soon." The timing of these reports coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks on October 27, which also addressed Iran. Diplomatic and military communications to regional countries suggest a coordinated U.S.-Israeli preparation for significant military action against Iran.

Sources indicate that Vance's message and subsequent discussions between U.S. and Iranian representatives did not involve specific ceasefire proposals but focused on the framework for resuming talks. This contrasts with Rezaei's recent statement that Iran would not negotiate with Washington unless specific key demands were met. Vance, who has publicly supported military action against Iran but privately expressed doubts, has advocated for stronger diplomatic efforts. He was appointed head of the U.S. negotiation team by Trump and has previously met with Iranian representatives twice to achieve de-escalation.

The WSJ suggests that making Rezaei a key contact point could sideline other senior Iranian officials like Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Chairman Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Meanwhile, a high-level meeting involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan in Tehran with Iranian officials, including Rezaei, aimed to reduce regional tensions amid Houthi attacks on Riyadh and Egypt's confirmation of defense aid to Saudi Arabia.