US Vice-President JD Vance has sent Iran a letter but it has not yet answered, Iranian media report on Thursday, as Washington attempts to revive hope for near-term peace negotiations with Iran to stave off further military escalation.
Iran’s news agency quoted the country’s official as saying that the letter had been received by Tehran, which still did not respond to it. Fars news agency has also reported a similar story, citing a source with knowledge.
The report, which did not specify the exact timing of the letter’s dispatch, said it was forwarded by Vance to Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei at the behest of U.S. President Donald Trump. The message was said to have been sent to reopen talks to prevent further U.S. airstrikes on Iran.
Focus on Negotiation Framework
One of these letters and contacts between the US and Iranian authorities apparently was only about a potential negotiating framework, not what would be included in a final peace agreement.
The diplomatic gesture follows repeated skirmishes between the two nations and their neighbors, and doubts that a negotiated solution is possible.
Conflict Disrupts Regional Security
28 February – The war started when the United States naval forces and the Israeli air force attacked the Iranian regime and killed former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and in charge Iranian military commanders.
In response, Iran carried out attacks against Israel and its interests throughout the region. Tehran also closed down oil shipments in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important water lanes through which around 20% of all oil used by the world passes.
The conflict’s impact has caused concern over the availability of international supply and the overall economic repercussions.
While the report indicates that it is a letter meant to revive diplomatic ties, Iran has yet to response to it, according to said media reports. Now, the future of the next steps remains unclear as negotiations are scheduled to resume after ties are on the brink and there are indications that both sides still have a long way to go.