Vance leads behind-the-scenes push for new Iran deal, Axios reports

US Vice President JD Vance has spent the past two weeks personally involved in indirect talks with Iran aimed at reaching a new ceasefire and resuming nuclear negotiations, Axios reported on Friday, citing two sources familiar with the discussions.

Diplomatic contacts

Vance has been speaking almost daily with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and other mediators, according to the report. White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner are also involved.

Vance and the mediators have discussed holding a working-level technical meeting between the US and Iran in the coming days, but no such meeting has been arranged, sources said.

Two weeks ago, Vance sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, proposing renewed direct negotiations. Iranian officials said the letter had generated positive momentum.

Trump's position

President Donald Trump spoke with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday about efforts to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran. Asked about Iran, Trump told reporters, “We're talking to them.”

Axios reported that Trump was willing to give diplomacy more time, while the US military remained prepared to launch renewed strikes on relatively short notice if ordered.

Why it matters

• Vance's involvement elevates the indirect talks with Iran to the highest levels of the US administration.
• Sources involved in the mediation efforts described progress as very slow.
• The vice president's office declined to comment.

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Sources

• iranintl.com: Vance leads push for new US-Iran deal behind the scenes - Axios | Iran International
• mezha.net: Vance leads behind-the-scenes push for new Iran deal
• bastillepost.com: Vance leads push for new US-Iran deal behind scenes
• economictimes.indiatimes.com: Vance leads behind-the-scenes push for a new Iran deal: Report - The Economic Times
• en.fnnews.com: "U.S. Vance leads behind-the-scenes push for a ceasefire and resumption of nuclear talks with Iran" - First-Class Business Newspaper Financial News
• arabtimesonline.com: Trump Says US ‘Could Be an Occupier’ in Iran as Vance Leads Quiet Push for New Deal | arabtimes

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.