Citing a US official, Axios reported that the letter was intended to explore the possibility of restarting negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The proposal reportedly originated with Vance and was welcomed by US President Donald Trump.
The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported that the letter was sent. The New York Times also reported that Vance’s message was delivered to Rezaei last week through Qatari mediators.
According to the newspaper, Vance proposed direct negotiations and expressed his willingness to lead the talks personally.
However, Trump offered a different explanation on Wednesday, telling reporters that the letter concerned assistance with supplying medicines and medical equipment to Iran.
Qatar’s Reported Role in US-Iran Contacts
Reports of possible diplomatic contacts emerged last week as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir visited Tehran. Reports also indicated that a Qatari delegation had arrived in the Iranian capital around the same time.
However, media outlets considered close to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied reports that the Qatari delegation had visited Tehran.
The reported involvement of Qatar has drawn attention to its potential role as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran as both sides consider the possibility of renewed negotiations.
Turkey Meeting Reportedly Under Consideration
Al Arabiya reported on Wednesday night that efforts were underway to arrange a meeting hosted by Turkey before the US midterm elections to explore the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States.
According to the report, Iran’s nuclear programme could be among the potential topics of discussion.
The reports indicate that diplomatic contacts may be under consideration, but the precise purpose of Vance’s letter remains disputed. While Axios and The New York Times linked the message to renewed negotiations, Trump said it concerned the provision of medical supplies.
No confirmed outcome of the reported diplomatic efforts was included in the supplied reports.
