Iran has reportedly rejected a request by US Vice President JD Vance to resume peace talks. The request was met with the pushback that no new steps will be taken until all seven of its conditions have been met at the same time.
Mr Vance sent a letter to a top Iranian political and military official with the purpose of renewing peace negotiations. The letter was sent just days before the US midterm elections, which polls and analysts are expecting to be a wake-up for the Republican Party.
Letter Delivered by Qatari Mediators
The letter was sent by Qatari mediators and delivered on Sunday to General Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and former commander in chief of the Revolutionary Guards Corps.
The letter reportedly suggested that US and Iranian officials meet soon, adding that he would lead the talks for the US. It is reported that the proposal was received well by Iran's leaders. However, Iranian media has reported that although Tehran has not yet responded to Mr Vance's letter, the red line remains.
Iran's Seven Conditions
Iran has reportedly said it will take no new steps until the US implements its seven conditions "all at once", per an informed Iranian source to Al-Mayadeen and Fars News.
The conditions include ending all military actions, releasing frozen assets, lifting the naval blockade, and withdrawing US forces from areas near Iran.
Tehran has not yet formally responded to Mr Vance's letter.
US Strike on Qeshm Island
Shortly after the news of Mr Vance's letter broke, reports circulated of a US Air Force strike on an Iranian missile launcher on Qeshm Island.
The development comes just days before Americans vote in the midterms. The Iran war has been a key issue for US voters and Mr Trump has often downplayed the conflict, describing it as "little detour".
The war has emerged as an unforced liability for Mr Trump, who ran his campaign on keeping the US out of foreign wars. Now, the conflict in the Middle East looks like it could escalate.
Earlier this week, several countries in the Gulf were reportedly told to prepare for a short but intense military campaign in Iran after the midterms. But analysts have said an escalation may not be effective in crippling Iran.
