Iran Signals Preference for JD Vance in Nuclear Deal Talks

Iran has reportedly signaled to U.S President Donald Trump’s administration that it prefers to negotiate with U.S. Vice President JD Vance rather than other senior officials.

According to a CNN report citing two regional sources, Iranian representatives communicated through back channels that they are reluctant to re-engage with special envoy Steve Witkoff or Jared Kushner, citing a “deficit of trust” following earlier talks that preceded U.S.-Israeli military action.

The sources indicated that Vance is perceived as more sympathetic to ending the war, with one noting there is a belief he would be focused on “wrapping up the conflict.”

“Who the administration decides to send, the Iranians will have to deal with, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have a preference,” the second source reportedly said.

Trump Confirms Active Negotiations

Speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, President Trump confirmed that negotiations with Iran are already underway and involve multiple senior officials, including Marco Rubio.

“We’re in negotiations right now. They’re doing it, along with Marco, JD, with a number of people doing it,” Trump told reporters.

The president expressed optimism about the talks, suggesting Iran is increasingly open to a deal.

“And the other side, I can tell you, they’d like to make a deal, and who wouldn’t? If you were there, look, their navy’s gone, their air force is gone, their communications are done-that’s the biggest problem.”

Also Read: Trump Announces 5-Day Pause on Iran Strikes Amid “Productive” Talks

Shift in Tone on Ceasefire and Diplomacy

Trump also addressed his apparent shift in tone after previously downplaying the possibility of a ceasefire.

“The fact that they are talking to us and they are talking sense,” he said when asked about the change.

He maintained that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the core objective of the negotiations.

“And remember, it all starts with they cannot have a nuclear weapon, just as I said yesterday,” Trump stated.

“I said, ‘Well, number one, two, and three is they can’t have a nuclear weapon,’ and they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon, and we’re talking about that. I don’t want to say in advance, but they’ve agreed they will never have a nuclear weapon.”

Proposed 15-Point Plan and Possible Meeting

Reports indicate that the U.S. has transmitted a 15-point proposal to Iran through intermediaries in Pakistan.

The plan reportedly outlines steps related to Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

A potential meeting in Islamabad later this week is said to be under consideration, though sources remain skeptical it will materialize.

Also Read:Cooperative Bank Announces Auction of Vehicles from as Low as Ksh 340,000

Iranian officials have acknowledged receiving messages from “friendly countries” conveying Washington’s request for negotiations, but continue to deny that any direct talks with the United States are currently taking place.