▲ U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance (right)
U.S. Vice President JD Vance attempted to contact a hardline Iranian security chief to propose resuming negotiations at the direction of President Donald Trump, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 28th local time.
Attention is focused on whether this contact will lead to a resumption of negotiations, especially as President Trump has previously signaled that he could launch a massive attack on Iran following the midterm elections held next week.
Citing U.S. officials and sources, the WSJ reported that Vice President Vance sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary-general of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and a noted hardliner, and that this was done at President Trump's direction.
This effectively means President Trump, who has publicly messaged multiple times that a resumption of airstrikes against Iran is possible in the near future, is once again exploring whether a deal with Iran is achievable.
President Trump has repeatedly made remarks to the effect that "it is time to decide whether to make a deal or finish it."
The WSJ reported that Vice President Vance's letter does not contain a specific peace plan, but is primarily focused on establishing a framework for negotiations.
While Vice President Vance's outreach may have been intended to manage the situation until the upcoming midterm elections, attention is drawn to the possibility that President Trump could rule out an attack on Iran depending on the outcome of the contact.
However, the WSJ pointed out that if Secretary-General Rezaei comes to the forefront, figures who have served as heads of the Iranian delegation, such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, could be sidelined in negotiations with the United States.
Secretary-General Rezaei met with high-ranking security officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey who visited the Iranian capital of Tehran on the 26th.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement last August.
The WSJ noted that previous visits were mostly conducted by diplomats, describing Secretary-General Rezaei's meeting with security officials from these countries as an unusual step.
The intent is that this may be a move to strengthen Secretary-General Rezaei's role in addressing pending issues.
However, Secretary-General Rezaei drew a line on the 21st, stating, "Not a single ounce of enriched nuclear material will leave Iran," and asserting that negotiations with the U.S. are possible only if Iran's demands are met.
President Trump has maintained a stance that there will be no escalation before the midterm elections due to concerns that it could further stimulate already high oil prices.
Because of this, concerns have been raised that President Trump could launch a short-term, massive attack against Iran after the midterm elections to compel a change in attitude.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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