Vance Proposes Direct Talks With Rezaei to End US-Iran Conflict

Vice President JD Vance has offered to meet face-to-face with Mohsen Rezaei, a senior Iranian hardliner, in an attempt to halt the war between the United States and Iran. The offer was made in a personal letter sent last week. The White House views Rezaei as the only Iranian official with the influence to build consensus around a nuclear deal.

Washington Post columnist David Ignatius reported the details on Thursday. He cited a US official familiar with the negotiations. The letter emphasized that national interests should drive the talks. It stated that Washington’s primary goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. It also noted Iran’s need to rebuild its war-damaged economy and preserve its sovereignty.

Vance stressed that Tehran must send representatives with full authority to reach binding agreements. US intelligence officials assess that Rezaei maintains regular contact with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The two are believed to have spoken in recent days after the American letter arrived. Rezaei commanded the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for years and retains the trust of its current leadership. He has also reorganized the Supreme National Security Council and placed allies in key positions over the past year.

The administration believes Rezaei understands the severity of Iran’s economic situation caused by sanctions and the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. His standing among hardliners could help persuade opponents of compromise. If a meeting occurs, Istanbul or Doha are the most likely locations. Qatar continues to act as a mediator and maintains regular contact with Rezaei.

Vance played a central role in previous diplomatic efforts. In April, he traveled to Islamabad to meet with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. During those talks, the US offered to lift sanctions and pursue economic cooperation in exchange for a nuclear agreement. Ghalibaf failed to secure leadership support in Tehran. A limited memorandum of understanding was signed but collapsed when fire resumed in the Strait of Hormuz.

US intelligence now concludes that real power in Iran rests with Rezaei rather than formal negotiators. Iran’s leadership viewed Vance’s outreach as a respectful gesture, though positions on the nuclear issue have not softened. Military tensions are rising as the Pentagon prepares for potential large-scale combat operations.

On Thursday, US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper visited the White House. He presented President Donald Trump with options for further military action. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine attended the meeting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for regime change in Iran. Trump has said he wants to finish the job as additional US forces deploy to the region.