Iran on Wednesday conveyed to the Trump administration that it is unwilling to resume talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and would instead prefer engaging with Vice President JD Vance, CNN reported, citing sources.
Iranian officials believe renewed discussions led by Witkoff or Kushner are unlikely to yield results in the current climate, given the “deficit of trust following the breakdown of negotiations prior to Israel and the US launching military action”, the report said.
According to sources cited by CNN, Vance is seen in Tehran as more inclined towards ending the conflict, unlike Witkoff, Kushner and even Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The perception is that the US Vice President is focused on bringing the war to a close.
Trump insists all key figures are part of negotiation effort
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump, however, maintained that multiple senior figures in his administration are involved in diplomatic efforts with Iran.
“JD (Vance) is involved. Marco is involved. Jared Kushner is involved. Steve Witkoff is involved, and I am involved,” Trump said while speaking about the ongoing engagement.
He also asserted that the United States has emerged victorious in the conflict, claiming that Iran’s naval and air capabilities have been fully destroyed.
The White House underlined that the final decision on who represents the US in negotiations rests solely with the President.
“President Trump and only President Trump determines who negotiates on behalf of the United States. As the President stated today, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Mr. Kushner will all be involved,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN.
Pakistan offers to mediate as diplomatic chatter grows
Separately, Trump has fuelled speculation about Pakistan potentially playing a mediating role in easing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The development comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X that Islamabad was willing to help facilitate dialogue. He said Pakistan was “ready and honoured” to support “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the United States and Iran, provided both sides agree