US VP Vance Leads Secret Talks With Iran's Hardliners on Diplomacy

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is engaged in direct talks with Mohsen Rezai, a senior figure in Iran's hardline establishment and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, who is considered close to Mojtaba Khamenei. The "Wall Street Journal" reported Wednesday that Vance sent a letter to Rezai, aiming to restart negotiations between Washington and Tehran. According to U.S. officials, this initiative is intended to find common ground that might persuade President Donald Trump against ordering a renewed military campaign, which began in late February.

Sources suggest that engaging directly with Iran's hardline faction, represented by Rezai, could yield better diplomatic results. This comes after reports that the U.S. had urged several Gulf Arab nations to prepare for a short, intense military operation post the upcoming midterm elections. President Trump himself had previously stated that the U.S. was not negotiating with Iran, hinting at imminent actions.

The letter from Vance and subsequent discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials did not detail a specific ceasefire proposal but focused on a potential framework for resuming negotiations. However, Rezai stated last week that Iran would not negotiate with Washington unless specific core demands were met.

While Vance has publicly supported military action against Iran, he has privately expressed reservations about prolonging the conflict and advocated for stronger diplomatic measures. Trump had appointed Vance to lead negotiation efforts, and the Vice President had traveled twice to meet Iranian officials in an attempt to de-escalate tensions.

The U.S. focus on Rezai could sideline other prominent Iranian figures like Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi or Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. This diplomatic outreach occurs amidst broader regional efforts, including a recent meeting in Tehran between senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan with Iranian representatives, including Rezai, to reduce Middle East tensions.