Iran’s senior security official Mohsen Rezaei on Saturday claimed that the United States had significantly softened its approach towards Tehran in a letter sent by Vice President JD Vance, describing the shift in tone as a sign of Iran’s victory.His remarks mark the first public response from an Iranian official to Washington’s diplomatic outreach, even as US President Donald Trump continues to claim that Tehran is keen to negotiate.“Their tone has shifted completely, which is a good sign that shows that our people have secured their victory,” Rezaei told Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, as quoted by ANI.The letter, addressed to Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was delivered through Qatari mediators on Sunday. According to The New York Times, the proposal suggests holding direct negotiations under Vance’s leadership, with Iran’s nuclear programme included in the discussions from the outset.However, The Wall Street Journal, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported that the communication laid out a broad “framework for negotiations” rather than specific conditions for a peace agreement. The letter was reportedly sent on Trump’s instructions.Earlier, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera on Saturday that Tehran had examined the communication and viewed Washington’s outreach as a “positive step” towards dialogue. He also said one of his aides had travelled to Doha for consultations with mediators.Citing sources, Al Jazeera reported that a meeting between the two sides could take place within a week, with Doha and Istanbul being considered as possible venues.Iran warns US, Israel against further attacksAmid the diplomatic overtures, Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the country’s armed forces would respond to any miscalculation by the US or Israel with retaliation that would be “geographically unrestricted”.“If the enemies once again launch military or terrorist attacks, it is the armed forces of the Islamic republic and the Iranian nation that will determine the time and conditions for their end,” Khamenei said.Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his claim that Tehran was keen to negotiate during remarks at the White House on Friday.“There are talks, they want to talk, they keep talking,” the US president said, adding, “We have time, frankly.”Trump also claimed that Iran was “in a lot of trouble” and expressed confidence that the ongoing conflict would end “very soon”.
