By Islam El-Sakka
US Vice President JD Vance has reportedly sent a letter to a top Iranian official seeking to revive peace negotiations, days after President Donald Trump threatened a new bombing campaign against Iran.
Vance's letter to Iranian security chief
Sources told the Wall Street Journal that Vance wrote to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, to test common ground and potentially dissuade Trump from ordering further strikes. One source said the letter was sent at Trump's request, though Trump denied directing Vance.
Trump's threats and denial
On Sunday, Trump told Fox News the choice was between making a deal or "finishing them off." On Wednesday, before a rally in Ohio, Trump said he did not direct Vance to initiate talks, but acknowledged he told Vance it was okay if he wanted to pursue diplomacy to get supplies to people in need.
Allies warned of potential military action
US officials have told several Middle East countries and regional allies to prepare for possible renewed military action against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, according to diplomats briefed on the matter. Trump has not made a final decision but has repeatedly weighed ordering new strikes after the elections.
Iran's diplomatic response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran continues to give diplomacy a chance and is working with mediators to review proposals from last month that Trump rejected. Iran still wants those proposals as a basis for a ceasefire.
Background of the conflict
The conflict began with US-Israeli attacks in February and stalled after a June interim agreement collapsed. Iran has gained unprecedented influence over the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump's domestic popularity wanes ahead of the midterms. Houthi rebels backed by Iran have attacked Saudi oil infrastructure and airports, prompting Saudi-led coalition strikes on Houthi-held territory in Yemen.
