Iran Seeks Talks with JD Vance, Rejects Kushner and Witkoff: Report

TEHRAN: Iran has indicated a preference to engage with US Vice President JD Vance for potential negotiations, distancing itself from talks involving Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to a report by CNN citing informed sources.

Iranian officials reportedly conveyed to the US administration that they see limited scope for productive dialogue with Witkoff and Kushner, citing a deep trust deficit following the collapse of earlier negotiations that preceded military action by Israel and the United States.

In contrast, Vance is perceived in Tehran as more inclined toward de-escalation and ending the ongoing conflict. Sources suggest that this perception has made him a more acceptable interlocutor for restarting diplomatic efforts.

US President Donald Trump, however, maintained that multiple senior figures remain involved in the negotiation process. He stated that Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Kushner, Witkoff and he himself are all part of the diplomatic engagement.

The White House reiterated that the final decision on representation rests solely with the president. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Trump will determine who leads negotiations on behalf of the United States.

Meanwhile, diplomatic developments widened as Pakistan signalled readiness to mediate. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Islamabad’s willingness to facilitate meaningful dialogue between Washington and Tehran, provided both sides agree. The offer has added a new dimension to efforts aimed at easing tensions in the region.