Mediators led by Qatar are pressing for an agreement between Washington and Tehran to prevent new military strikes on Iranian targets. Diplomats are urging Iranian authorities to permit United Nations inspectors access to bombed nuclear sites. In exchange, Tehran would receive some relief from American sanctions, according to a report citing United States, Israeli and regional sources.
Several countries in the region are backing the diplomatic initiative. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia’s regional partners including Egypt, and Türkiye are supporting the mediation effort.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged the diplomatic contacts on Tuesday. He told Axios that negotiations with Iran are occurring through intermediaries, though he expressed uncertainty about their eventual outcome.
We need to finish the job, either through a deal or another way, and we will find out if negotiations can succeed, Trump said.
The diplomatic push follows weeks of threats from the US president regarding potential large-scale military actions against Iran.
US Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei. The correspondence aimed to revive peace negotiations, according to a report published on Wednesday.
American officials and individuals familiar with the matter stated that the letter was dispatched at Trump’s direction. Washington is exploring whether a diplomatic framework can stop renewed military strikes in the coming weeks.
When asked whether he had directed Vance to communicate with Iranian officials, Trump offered a different perspective. What it is is that they need help with medical supplies and various things, he said.
He asked me what I thought, Trump added regarding the vice president. I said, if you want to do that, that’s okay. Basically, it’s getting supplies in to help people that are not well.
