Oct 29, Kathmandu - U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has sent a letter to influential Iranian figure Mohsen Rezaei seeking to explore the possibility of peace talks with Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported. The newspaper said the letter was sent at the direction of President Donald Trump.

Trump, however, denied instructing Vance to pursue peace negotiations. He said Vance’s contact with Iran concerned the provision of medical supplies.

Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has said Iran will not negotiate with the United States unless its fundamental demands are met.

Vance has previously voiced concern that the war could drag on and expressed support for a diplomatic solution. He has also traveled abroad twice in efforts to reach an agreement. But a deal collapsed within two weeks amid disagreements over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Recent talks facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan also failed to yield an outcome.

Meanwhile, Trump is reportedly considering a short, intensive military strike against Iran after the midterm elections. Washington is seeking concessions on Iran’s nuclear program, while Tehran wants immediate economic relief.

As the expanding conflict and rising fuel prices pose electoral challenges for Republican candidates, Vance faces growing pressure to balance foreign policy and domestic political risks.