The Iranian leadership interpreted a direct message from US Vice President JD Vance as a sign of respect, according to a report by the Washington Post citing American officials. However, the same officials say there is still no indication that Tehran has altered its position on the nuclear issue.
According to the report, US officials believe the confrontation with Iran is approaching a critical turning point and that Washington is seeking to send a message to hardline factions within the Islamic Republic about the seriousness of Vance's diplomatic efforts.
The officials also said that Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, recognises the severity of the country's current economic difficulties and the implications these challenges could have for domestic political developments.
Differences over how to deal with Iran
According to the report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports regime change in Iran, viewing it as the only way to permanently eliminate the threat posed by the Islamic Republic.
By contrast, US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are said to favour reaching a peaceful agreement with Tehran rather than returning to a military confrontation.
The report suggests that while diplomatic channels remain active, US officials do not yet see evidence that Tehran is prepared to modify its approach to the nuclear dispute.
Source: Washington Post, via Elnashra and ERT
