Tehran [Iran], March 25 (ANI): Iranian representatives have conveyed to the Trump administration that they prefer to engage in negotiations with US Vice President JD Vance rather than US special envoy Steve Witkoff or Jared Kushner, CNN reported, citing sources.
According to the report, Iran believes that discussions involving Witkoff and Kushner would not be productive due to a “deficit of trust following the breakdown of negotiations” prior to military action by Israel and the United States.
In contrast, Vance is viewed as more sympathetic to ending the conflict, with sources suggesting that the US vice president is keen on bringing the war to a close. CNN reported that Vance is seen as more inclined toward de-escalation compared to Witkoff, Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Earlier on Tuesday, President Donald Trump said that key members of his diplomatic team are involved in the negotiations.
“JD is involved. Marco is involved. Jared Kushner is involved. Steve Witkoff is involved, and I am involved,” Trump said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN that the decision on who represents the United States 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,” Leavitt said.
Trump has also asserted that the United States has effectively won the war, claiming that Iran’s naval and air capabilities have been largely destroyed.
Meanwhile, the US president has fueled diplomatic speculation about a potential mediating role for Pakistan in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran after sharing a statement from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In a post on X, Sharif said Pakistan was “ready and honored” to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks between the United States and Iran, provided both sides agree. (ANI)
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