Iran Sets 7 Conditions for Talks With US as JD Vance Weighs Direct Engagement: Report

Iran will decide whether and how to negotiate with the United States only after seven conditions set by Tehran have been fulfilled, Head of the Basij Organization Hossein Taeb said on Thursday, signalling that Washington's proposed timelines would not influence its position.

Speaking at a ceremony in Tehran commemorating members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force killed in the conflict, Taeb said the fulfilment of Iran's conditions remained the country's priority, Iran's IRNA news agency reported.

“The Americans initially spoke of a seven-day deadline and then reduced it to two days, but it makes no difference to us. The main issue is the fulfilment of the conditions set by the Islamic Republic of Iran. After that, Iran will decide on the manner and subjects of negotiations,” he said.

The Basij is a volunteer paramilitary force in Iran that operates under the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It is one of the country's main organisations for domestic security and enforcing the Islamic Republic's rules.

IRAN CITES MILITARY CAMPAIGNS AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ

Taeb also claimed that the military campaigns involving the United States and Israel had changed their assessment of Iran's defence capabilities. Referring to the 12-day and 40-day campaigns, he said developments during the confrontations had altered the opposing side's calculations.

He described the Strait of Hormuz as a key factor in the emerging balance of power and said the opposing side had responded by raising the possibility of a blockade.

Taeb argued that the ability of both sides to withstand a prolonged confrontation would be decisive in the current situation.

JD VANCE CONSIDERS DIRECT TALKS WITH IRAN

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance is considering direct negotiations with a senior Iranian security official as the Trump administration explores a diplomatic route to end the conflict, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing American and Middle Eastern officials.

President Donald Trump has authorised Vance to lead fresh diplomatic initiatives, the report said. Discussions remain at an early stage, and no meeting date has been finalised. Washington and Iranian interlocutors have continued to communicate through regional partners.

According to the Journal, Vance wrote to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary-general of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in October seeking a meeting. Rezaei said on Tuesday that no talks with the US Vice President had been scheduled.

The reported move would place Vance at the centre of the administration's diplomatic engagement with Tehran, while envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would take a less prominent role in the negotiations, the newspaper reported.

DIFFERENCES WITHIN THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

The diplomatic responsibility carries political stakes for Vance. A successful agreement could strengthen his position by helping bring the conflict to an end, while a failed effort could expose him to criticism at home.

Vance has publicly linked the war to the Republican Party's setback in last week's midterm elections, describing the conflict as an electoral liability. His position differs from that of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who have backed Trump's broader military campaign.

The Journal also reported differences within the administration over the earlier June memorandum of understanding, which Vance had helped broker. Two US officials told the newspaper that Trump privately viewed the arrangement as a strategic mistake, arguing that it allowed Tehran to rebuild its capabilities and earn revenue through oil exports.

A White House spokesperson rejected suggestions that Trump regretted the negotiating team's role, saying it had acted with absolute integrity.

Officials cited by the Journal said Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller favour maintaining the naval blockade until Iran accepts American demands.

DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS REMAIN STALLED

The latest diplomatic push comes after the conflict began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran.

A ceasefire took effect in April, followed by a framework agreement in June intended to lay the groundwork for a broader peace settlement. However, subsequent negotiations have stalled without producing a comprehensive agreement.

With Vance reportedly leading the renewed effort, the possibility of direct engagement has emerged, although it remains unclear whether Iran's leadership will agree to talks with the US Vice President.

With inputs from ANI