Iran security chief says US letter signals ‘positive’ shift

JD Vance, the U.S. vice president, wrote a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, an Iranian hardline security official, in an attempt to revive peace talks and potentially prevent further military strikes on Iran. This move came days after Donald Trump, the U.S. President, threatened Tehran with new attacks during his campaign rally on Friday. The outreach was confirmed by both Vance and Trump, although Trump downplayed its significance, stating it involved offering medical supplies.

The letter's timing is significant as it precedes the upcoming midterm elections in the United States. Reports indicate that the move could be a test to see if there is enough common ground between the two nations to discourage further military action by Trump. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has since called the U.S. dialogue offer "a positive step," while Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker, and Rezaei have hailed the softer tone in the letter as a victory for Iran.

However, Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of potential retaliation against any miscalculations by the U.S. or Israel, emphasizing that Iran would respond geographically unrestricted if further attacks occur. Despite these warnings, Al Jazeera reported ongoing talks between Tehran and Qatari mediators aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz within two days, contingent upon the US meeting certain conditions.