Iran has expressed its willingness to engage in peace talks with the United States, but only with US Vice-President JD Vance leading the negotiations. According to reports, Iranian representatives have conveyed this preference through back-channel communications to Washington.
The officials believe that Vance may be more inclined towards ending the ongoing war, citing a perception that he would be intent on wrapping up the conflict. However, the same sources cautioned that entering direct negotiations could carry risks for Vance, as reaching an agreement to end the war would likely prove complex and politically sensitive.
Despite Tehran's preference, Iranian officials acknowledge that the final decision on who represents Washington in negotiations rests with US President Donald Trump. The White House has dismissed the reports as a 'coordinated foreign propaganda campaign meant to undermine the president.'
Diplomatic activity around a potential ceasefire has intensified in recent days, with discussions underway about holding a meeting between US and Iranian representatives later this week in Islamabad. Several countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Oman, are believed to be acting as intermediaries, passing messages between Washington and Tehran in an attempt to broker both a ceasefire and the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
