The U.S. Amplifies Threats of Strikes, Iran Reiterates "Seven-Day Plan," Vance Sends Letter to Iran Proposing to Resume Negotiations

[Global Times Special Correspondent Chen Qi] Reuters reported on the 28th that, according to a senior U.S. official and an Iranian official, U.S. Vice President Vance has contacted a key military and political figure in Iran, proposing to restart comprehensive peace negotiations. The two informed officials stated that Vance made it clear in his letter that resolving the nuclear issue is a necessary prerequisite for negotiations, and Iran's nuclear program must be placed on the negotiating table from the very beginning.

U.S. President Trump acknowledged on the 28th local time that Vance had sent a letter to the Iranian government, but he downplayed the significance of this move, stating that the focus was on providing medical supplies to Iran.

The letter has been delivered

The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on Vance's contact with Iran. Two informed sources indicated that Vance sent the letter through a Qatari intermediary, and it was delivered to the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Rezaei, last Sunday. Rezaei previously served as the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. U.S. officials explained that Vance chose Rezaei as the recipient because they realized they needed to connect with a powerful figure in the Iranian leadership who could influence both hardliners and the Revolutionary Guard.

In his letter, Vance proposed that both the U.S. and Iran should arrange talks as soon as possible, stating that he would personally lead the U.S. negotiating team. According to informed Iranian officials, the Iranian leadership responded positively to this proposal; many senior Iranian officials believe Vance has sufficient influence to help end hostilities. The letter itself did not specify the exact time and place for negotiations, but officials from both sides indicated that direct negotiations could potentially start as early as next week in Qatar or Turkey. Rezaei is expected to provide a formal response by Thursday. If Tehran accepts Vance's proposal, according to officials from both sides, this negotiation will formally be considered as having no preconditions.

Reuters reported on the 28th that Vance's diplomatic overture comes at a time of heightened regional tensions. Trump has been weighing whether to restart military actions against Iran, with potential timing set for after the midterm elections next Tuesday. When asked if he had instructed Vance to restart peace negotiations, Trump replied, "No," but acknowledged that he had indeed approved Vance's contact with Iran. "They need medical supplies and other forms of assistance. He asked for my thoughts. I said, 'If you want to do that, that's fine,'" Trump said. "Basically, it's about delivering supplies to help those who are sick."

Iran: Willing to give diplomacy a chance

This letter is Vance's latest effort to end the conflict. This conflict has disrupted the global economy, caused divisions within the Republican Party, and could even help the Democrats win in next week's elections. A recent poll conducted by The New York Times in conjunction with Siena College shows that 65% of voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the Iran war issue. Earlier this year, Trump designated Vance to lead negotiations with Iran; Vance has privately opposed going to war with Iran. In April, he traveled to Pakistan for a lengthy meeting with Iranian officials, but that negotiation ultimately yielded no results.

On the 28th local time, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif posted on social media, stating: "The brave Iranian armed forces are on high alert to defend the homeland. Meanwhile, Iran is still willing to give diplomacy a chance. We continue to maintain close communication with the mediators to explore feasible solutions and strive to implement our proposed seven-day plan in a shorter time frame."

The seven-day plan proposed by Iran had previously been rejected by the U.S. The plan requires the U.S. to first complete a series of actions, lift the maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and unfreeze some of Iran's frozen assets. According to Iran's statement, as long as the U.S. fulfills the above conditions, Iran will reopen the strait and immediately commence formal negotiations.

In recent weeks, intensive diplomatic mediation has been underway. High-ranking officials from Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have visited Iran one after another to discuss de-escalation of the situation. Two Iranian officials revealed that the core topic of a series of talks is the concerns expressed by various mediators: if hostilities reignite, the entire region will plunge into turmoil and destruction. Leaders of regional countries have urged Iran to remain flexible and are willing to make concessions on the nuclear program issue to avoid a full-scale war.

Leadership change during a sensitive period

Although both the U.S. and Iran have stated that the conflict can be resolved through negotiations, this does not indicate that the U.S.-Iran situation will become optimistic. According to CNN's report on the 28th, as Trump weighs a new round of military strikes against Iran, U.S. Defense Secretary Esper recently suddenly dismissed the Pentagon's core strategic planning officer.

Reports indicate that the spokesperson for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that Major General Sylvia, who was in charge of the Strategy, Plans, and Policy Division (J5), has left his position. The reason for Sylvia's dismissal has not been disclosed, and it is currently unclear who will succeed him. As of the evening of the 28th local time, Sylvia's personal profile had been removed from the Joint Chiefs of Staff website.

As the head of J5, this position is a hub for the U.S. military to coordinate global strategy, assess operational risks, and provide the president with the highest military decision-making advice. Previously, Sylvia's predecessor, General McKee, was also forced to resign due to disagreements with Esper over Ukraine and Caribbean affairs. This leadership change comes at a sensitive moment when tensions are high in the Middle East. U.S. officials revealed that U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East have entered a state of readiness and can initiate significant military operations against Iran within 96 hours upon receiving orders from the White House.

It has been disclosed that since Esper took charge of the Pentagon, he has dismissed over 20 senior generals, including former Army Chief of Staff George, and replaced the former Navy Secretary. Analysts generally believe that the frequent purges of senior military personnel by the U.S. military before major military actions are aimed at eliminating strategic dissent and ensuring the Pentagon's absolute execution of the White House's military intentions toward Iran.