The United States Vice President John D. Vance reportedly sent a letter to Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei, the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in an effort to revive peace talks that could prevent further U.S. military action against Tehran. The Wall Street Journal reported that the letter and subsequent discussions focused on establishing a framework for negotiations rather than on specific peace terms. According to the Journal, the initiative was allegedly ordered by former President Donald Trump, who denied any role when questioned before a campaign stop in Ohio. Vance told a reporter, “If you want to do that, it’s fine for me.” The letter was part of a broader U.S. effort to de‑escalate tensions that erupted when Israel and the United States launched a joint offensive in late February. The conflict has disrupted energy shipments from Gulf countries, with Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz—a route that carries about one‑fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas—and repeatedly attacking vessels that attempt to pass without permission. In response, the United States has imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports to pressure the country’s economy. The Wall Street Journal also reported that Washington has asked several Gulf Arab states to prepare for a possible “short, intense military campaign” against Iran following the U.S. midterm elections on November 3. Sources indicated that Trump had not yet made a final decision on that course of action. Iranian officials have warned that they would broaden their response to any new U.S. attacks. Rezaei said Iranian forces could target U.S.-linked infrastructure, including data centers and artificial‑intelligence facilities. On October 4, Iran reiterated that the conflict in the Middle East cannot be resolved through military means alone, underscoring the stalemate in current negotiations. The information was reported by Agence France‑Press.
Article source: El Comercio | Image credit: El Comercio