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Iran Rejects Kushner, Witkoff; Prefers Vance for US Talks: Report

Iranian representatives have informed the Trump administration that they prefer to negotiate with US Vice President JD Vance over Jared Kushner or Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, citing a trust deficit. CNN reports Iran views Vance as more sympathetic to ending the conflict, unlike Witkoff, Kushner, or Secretary of State Marco Rubio. President Trump has stated that all key diplomatic team members, including Vance, Rubio, Kushner, and Witkoff, are involved in the negotiations. The diplomatic maneuvering occurs as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to mediate between the US and Iran.

Key Points: Iran Seeks Vance, Not Kushner, for US Negotiations

  • Iran rejects Kushner & Witkoff as negotiators
  • Tehran views VP Vance as more sympathetic to ending war
  • Trump insists entire team is involved
  • Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif offers to mediate
2 min read

Iran wants to negotiate with Vance, not Kushner or Witkoff: Report

Iran tells Trump admin it wants VP JD Vance to lead talks, rejecting Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, citing trust deficit, CNN reports.

"President Trump and only President Trump determines who negotiates on behalf of the United States. - Karoline Leavitt"

Tehran, March 25

Iranian representatives on Wednesday told the Trump administration that they do not want to re-enter negotiations with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and would prefer to engage with US Vice President JD Vance, CNN reported, citing sources.

The report stated that Iran believes discussions involving Witkoff and Kushner wouldn't be productive, given the "deficit of trust following the breakdown of negotiations prior to Israel and the US launching military action".

Vance -- in contrast to Witkoff, Kushner and even Secretary of State Marco Rubio -- is viewed as more sympathetic to wanting to end the war, the CNN cited sources with a view that US Vice President is intent on wrapping up the conflict.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said all the key members of his diplomatic team were involved in negotiations.

On those who are involved in the Iran negotiations from the US administration, Trump said, "JD (Vance) is involved. Marco is involved. Jared Kushner is involved. Steve Witkoff is involved, and I am involved."US President Donald Trump said that the US has won the war, adding that Iran's navy and air force have been completely decimated.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN that it's Trump's call who negotiates for the US.

"President Trump and only President Trump determines who negotiates on behalf of the United States. As the President stated today, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Mr. Kushner will all be involved," Leavitt said.

US President Donald Trump has triggered intense diplomatic speculation regarding a potential mediating role for Islamabad in the ongoing Washington-Tehran standoff, after he shared an official statement from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The move follows a post on X by Prime Minister Sharif, in which he expressed Islamabad's eagerness to facilitate a diplomatic resolution to the regional crisis. Sharif stated that Pakistan was "ready and honoured" to moderate "meaningful and conclusive talks" between the United States and Iran, provided there is a mutual agreement from both parties.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
The mention of Pakistan's potential role is the real story here. If Islamabad mediates, it could significantly shift regional dynamics. India must watch this closely. We have vital interests in the Gulf and cannot afford a conflict on our western flank. Cautiously optimistic about Vance's involvement.
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Rohit P
Trump saying "the US has won the war" while also having a whole team negotiating seems contradictory, no? 🤔 If the war is won, what's left to negotiate? Just hope this ends soon. The volatility in oil prices is hurting our economy. #PeacePlease
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Priya S
Respectfully, the article highlights a fragmented US approach. Having too many negotiators (Vance, Rubio, Kushner, Witkoff) can confuse matters. Iran is smart to pick the one they think wants peace. A single, clear channel is always better in diplomacy. Hope they find a way forward.
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Vikram M
As an Indian, my primary concern is the safety of our diaspora in the Gulf region and secure energy supplies. If Vice President Vance is genuinely seeking an endgame, that's a positive signal. The Pakistan angle is unexpected but let's see if it yields results.
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Michael C
The "deficit of trust" line says it all. Past actions have consequences. Negotiations need a credible partner. If Iran sees that in Vance, maybe there's a chance. The world doesn't need another prolonged conflict. Fingers crossed for a diplomatic breakthrough. 🤞

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