Iran rejects talks with Witkoff, prefers Vance for negotiations - CNN
US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff (photo: Getty Images)
Iran, through unofficial channels, has signaled to US President Donald Trump's administration that it does not want to resume negotiations with the current US representatives and prefers Vice President JD Vance, CNN reports.
According to two regional sources, Tehran is not interested in dialogue with US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and White House adviser Jared Kushner.
The reason is deep distrust after the breakdown of previous negotiations before the start of military actions involving Israel and the United States.
Sources note that in Iran, Vance is seen as more inclined to seek compromise and end the conflict than other representatives of Washington, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"The perception is that Vance would be intent on wrapping up the conflict," one of CNN's interlocutors said.
However, even supporters of this option acknowledge that Vance's involvement is risky, as achieving a real end to the war will be extremely difficult.
At the same time, despite Iran's preferences, the final decision remains with Trump. The White House made it clear that the composition of the negotiating team will be determined by the president.
A spokesperson for the administration said that several figures will be involved in the process at once — Vance, Rubio, Witkoff, and Kushner.
Sources note that Iran will likely have to work with whoever Washington appoints, even if this is not their preferred option.
A possible meeting between the United States and Iran may take place as early as this week in Islamabad. However, even supporters of negotiations assess the chances of it taking place skeptically.
US-Iran negotiations
US President Donald Trump, after contacts with Iran, decided to postpone strikes on the country's energy infrastructure.
He believes that "very good and productive conversations" took place between Washington and Tehran, which could lead to an agreement in the coming days.
At the same time, Iranian media deny the fact of such negotiations.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the United States is trying to buy time amid diplomatic efforts toward de-escalation.
According to Reuters, the United States is in contact with the Speaker of Iran's parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He himself denied these reports and stated that he supports the position of the country's supreme leader.
Trump also said that Iran very much wants to make a deal and that this could happen within five days or sooner.
Iran, in turn, stated its readiness to consider US proposals to end the war, but emphasized that any agreement must take into account its key demands.
Today, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the United States had handed Iran a peace plan consisting of 15 points aimed at ending hostilities in the Middle East.
