Vance sent letter to Iran hardliner urging nuclear talks to prevent new strikes

US Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to a hardline Iranian security chief urging a resumption of negotiations, according to reports. The outreach comes as President Donald Trump has signaled the possibility of a large-scale military strike against Iran after the midterm elections, raising speculation that Washington is pursuing diplomatic options alongside military pressure.

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday (local time), citing US officials and sources, that Vance sent the letter to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary-general of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, calling for a restart of negotiations.

The letter was sent at Trump's direction, sources said.

Trump has repeatedly raised the prospect of renewed airstrikes against Iran in recent weeks, warning of a military response if Tehran refuses to reach a deal. The letter is seen as an attempt to test the possibility of renewed diplomacy amid that pressure.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the letter did not contain a specific peace proposal but focused on laying out a basic framework for restarting talks.

US political outlet Axios also reported, citing a US official, that Vance sent the letter to Rezaei.

In the letter, Vance is said to have stressed that any negotiations aimed at preventing a new US strike would require "discussions on nuclear issues."

Axios described the letter as the highest-level overture the US has made to Iran in recent months.

A US official said Trump "is enthusiastic about this letter." The exact date the letter was delivered was not disclosed.

Rezaei, the recipient of the letter, is said to have direct access to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Axios reported that Vance personally proposed Rezaei as the contact.

Trump, however, denied reports that the letter was an offer to restart peace negotiations with Iran.

When reporters asked whether Trump had directed Vance to pursue a resumption of peace talks with Iran, Trump said "no."

Trump nonetheless acknowledged approving Vance's outreach to Iran.

"They need medical supplies and various kinds of help," Trump said. "Vance asked me what I thought, and I said if you want to do that, fine."

Trump added that the contact was "basically to help people who are not doing well."

The outreach may be aimed at managing tensions with Iran ahead of the midterm elections on Tuesday.

Trump has indicated he would not escalate the conflict before the midterms, mindful of concerns that a broader war with Iran could push international oil prices higher.

After the midterms, however, analysts say Trump could launch a short, large-scale military strike to pressure Iran into changing its stance.

If Vance's letter leads to an actual resumption of talks, the US may opt for a diplomatic resolution rather than a military strike.

The letter could also shift the internal balance of power over who leads negotiations on the Iranian side.

The Wall Street Journal noted that if Rezaei takes the lead in negotiations with the US, it could weaken the standing of those who have led Iran's existing negotiating team — including parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Rezaei has also been raising his profile in Iran's external security consultations.

On Monday, Rezaei met with senior security officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey who visited Tehran.

The three countries signed a joint defense pact in Mecca last August.

The Wall Street Journal noted that unlike past visits, in which Iranian diplomats were typically the counterparts, this time senior security officials met directly with Rezaei — a sign that Rezaei's role may be expanding.

Whether Iran will shift its position on the nuclear issue, however, remains uncertain.

On Tuesday, Rezaei drew a line, saying "not a single gram of enriched nuclear material will leave Iran" and insisting that Iran's conditions must be met before any talks with the US can proceed.

While the US has made nuclear issues a core condition for restarting negotiations, Iran has refused to allow the transfer of enriched nuclear material out of the country — meaning that even if both sides return to the table, significant friction is expected.