Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei this week in an effort to restart peace talks and potentially avert a new round of U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic.

The outreach, delivered via Qatari mediators on Sunday, focused on establishing a framework for negotiations rather than specific terms, according to multiple U.S. officials cited in reports. Vance proposed direct talks, with himself leading the U.S. delegation, and insisted that Iran's nuclear program must be addressed from the outset.

The letter comes as President Donald Trump weighs resuming strikes on Iran following next week's midterm elections. Trump has publicly warned Gulf states to prepare for possible renewed hostilities while separately describing the Vance contact as related to humanitarian medical supplies.

Iranian state media confirmed receipt of the letter but indicated no shift in Tehran's positions, which include seven conditions such as sanctions relief and an end to regional conflicts. Tehran has yet to formally respond, though officials have signaled reluctance to make upfront nuclear commitments without reciprocal U.S. steps.

The diplomatic channel represents the highest-level U.S.-Iran contact in months amid an eight-month conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes in late February. Tensions have escalated with reports of Iranian preparations for potential attacks and U.S. naval measures targeting Iran's oil exports.

Trump stated he approved Vance's initiative but denied directing it specifically for peace talks. The president has emphasized a firm approach, noting that any resolution would require addressing core issues like Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Negotiations could begin as soon as next week in Qatar or Turkey if Iran engages, officials said. The effort reflects ongoing attempts to balance military pressure with diplomatic options ahead of the midterms.