Trump Says Vance’s Letter to Iran Concerned Medical Supplies, Not a Push to Restart Peace Talks
President Donald Trump said Vice President JD Vance's message to Iran was about medical supplies, while Tehran said it had received the letter but not replied and insisted the US must meet its conditions.
Washington, United States. President Donald Trump said Vice President JD Vance’s contact with Iran was meant to help the country obtain medical supplies. US media had earlier reported that Vance wrote to Tehran’s top security official to revive peace talks.
Trump’s explanation
The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times reported on Wednesday that Vance sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, the head of Iran’s Security Council, to try to restart peace negotiations. Both outlets cited US officials and people familiar with the matter. The Wall Street Journal added that Vance acted on Trump’s instructions. Reuters was unable to confirm either report at once.
Asked by reporters later on Wednesday whether he had told Vance to approach Iran about resuming negotiations, Trump answered in the negative. He said Iran needs assistance with medical supplies and other items, that Vance asked for his view, and that he told Vance to go ahead if he wished. Trump described the aim as bringing in supplies to help people who are unwell.
Response from Tehran
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Thursday that Iran had received Vance’s letter but had not answered it. According to the agency, Tehran wants Washington to meet its conditions, and “any position that contradicts this framework is unacceptable.”
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, said on Thursday that Tehran had repeatedly and plainly passed its conditions to mediators. He said progress is possible only if Iran’s seven conditions are fulfilled. He added that pressure combining incentives and threats has no effect on Iran.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York had not replied straight away to a request for comment on the letter and on Trump’s remarks. Vance’s office had also not responded at the time of reporting.
Military options briefing
On Thursday, Admiral Brad Cooper, the senior US military officer overseeing the Middle East, met Trump at the White House to present military options regarding Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported. The newspaper cited US officials and other people with direct knowledge of the meeting. Reuters was likewise unable to verify this report independently at once.
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