Vance leads behind-the-scenes push for a new Iran deal: Report

US Vice President JD Vance has taken a leading role in behind-the-scenes efforts to secure a new ceasefire with Iran and revive nuclear negotiations, holding near-daily discussions with Qatari and Pakistani mediators over the past two weeks, Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

The diplomatic push comes as Donald Trump allows negotiations to continue, even as the US military remains prepared for further strikes if he orders them.

Vance has been in regular contact with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to discuss a possible technical meeting between US and Iranian officials, the report said.


White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's adviser Jared Kushner are also involved in the efforts.

According to Axios, Vance sent a letter two weeks ago to Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei proposing a resumption of direct negotiations, which Iranian officials said created positive momentum.

The vice president's involvement is significant given his earlier opposition to the war and his preference for a diplomatic solution. He also blamed the conflict for the Republican Party's losses in the midterm elections.

Qatar's prime minister said on Friday that discussions with the Trump administration had continued after the elections, although at a slower pace, and that Washington's intention to pursue a diplomatic solution remained.

However, diplomatic efforts are unfolding alongside continued military tensions. On Friday, the US military struck an anti-aircraft missile launcher on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz after it allegedly fired a missile towards a US fighter jet, Trump confirmed.