Roger Zakheim

‼️ The New York Times abt Vance/Rezaei letter: • Vice President JD Vance sent his letter to Mohsen Rezaei last week through Qatari mediators. • In the letter, Vance proposed a meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials in the near future, indicating that he would personally lead negotiations on behalf of the United States. • The proposal was well received by Iran’s leadership, with many Iranian officials viewing Vance as an influential figure capable of helping end hostilities. Rezaei is expected to formally respond by Thursday. • Vance’s letter emphasized the need to resolve the nuclear issue and insisted that Iran’s nuclear program be on the negotiating table from the outset. • Vance also stressed the importance of resolving the conflict between Washington and Tehran through direct negotiations. • According to the officials, direct talks could begin as early as next week in Qatar or Turkey. • If Tehran accepts Vance’s proposal, negotiations would technically begin without preconditions, according to U.S. and Iranian officials. • Vance chose to address his letter to Rezaei after U.S. officials concluded that they needed to engage directly with someone within Iran’s leadership who holds influence over both the hard-line faction opposed to a deal and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).