Trump Expresses Doubts on Iran Deal, Vance Leads Renewed Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed doubts in recent weeks about a memorandum of understanding his administration reached with Iran in June, questioning if it was a costly mistake that allowed Tehran to regroup and benefit from oil revenues before a U.S. naval blockade. The Wall Street Journal reported this, citing two U.S. officials familiar with the matter. Other White House officials denied that Trump regrets the understanding, but it has emerged that Vice President J.D. Vance is leading a renewed effort to restart negotiations, which could include a direct meeting with senior Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei.

Trump has authorized Vance to conduct these contacts, and in October, the Vice President sent a letter to Rezaei requesting a meeting. No date has been set for such a meeting, and discussions are still in their preliminary stages. The possibility of an unusual meeting between the U.S. Vice President and the Iranian official comes after previous talks concluded with a memorandum of understanding that did not include Iranian commitments to limit its nuclear program or relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Iran has set conditions for resuming talks, including lifting the naval blockade, releasing frozen assets, and easing sanctions on oil. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called these demands "completely unrealistic" but stated that Washington would be open to diplomacy if Tehran changes its stance. The U.S. administration remains divided on whether to continue economic pressure or resume negotiations. Rubio and Chief of Staff Stephen Miller support continuing the blockade and sanctions, while Vance promotes the possibility of reaching a settlement. Trump continues to threaten military action while also expressing hope for an agreement.

Vance has become the central figure leading U.S. efforts to renew negotiations. However, the path to an agreement is fraught with obstacles, as Iran demands prior U.S. steps while Washington insists on discussing the nuclear issue from the outset of negotiations. Tensions between Israel and the United States on the Iranian issue are escalating. A particularly difficult phone call took place between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump over the weekend due to deep disagreements on the Iranian issue, with sources describing the exchange as "a hellish shouting match."

Prime Minister Netanyahu made an unusual statement from the Knesset corridors on Wednesday, suggesting Israel is considering a renewed move against Iran, with or without American support. He emphasized the necessity of a national unity government, stating that the Israeli people know how to unite in times of war and that this is the hour's imperative. He noted seeing this unity among religious and secular, left and right, standing and fighting together. Netanyahu expressed belief that in such moments, unity is possible and necessary, and he will continue to extend a hand until it is met.