ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – US Vice President JD Vance has sent a letter to Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei, warning that nuclear talks are “required” to avert potential US military strikes, American outlets reported Thursday, days after Rezaei met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Citing senior US officials, Axios and the Wall Street Journal reported that Vance had reached out to Rezaei to “restart peace talks” aimed at ending the US-Iran war. 

Axios said that Vance had told Rezaei any negotiations to avert US military strikes “require discussions on the nuclear issue.” 

As Washington signals openness to talks over Iran’s nuclear activities amid threats of renewed strikes, Tehran insists its position remains firm, saying Washington must comply with the previously signed MoU to reach a deal on nuclear activity. 

The warring sides reached a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) in June to end hostilities and resume talks for 60 days. It collapsed only 21 days later after the US Central Command accused Iran of striking a ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US and Israeli military wars against Iran since the June 12 war have primarily aimed to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities and activities.

Late Wednesday, when asked by reporters whether he had directed Vance to initiate peace talks with Iran, US President Donald Trump responded, “No.”

Trump said Vance had informed him of Iran’s “need for help” with medical supplies and asked for his thoughts. “And I said, if you wanna do that, it’s okay.” 

It was “basically, getting supplies in to help people that are not well,” he added. 

Tehran claimed on Tuesday that Rezaei had met with the supreme leader to discuss the country’s latest situation. Khamenei described Rezaei’s role as being at the “crossroads of prudence.” 

Khamenei stressed the need for a roadmap covering the “inception to its conclusion” of any given action to ensure robust decision-making.

The newly elected supreme leader has made no public appearances since his election, with only written statements and letters published under his name.

The developments come amid reports that the US and Israel are preparing for possible renewed strikes on Iran after the November 3 US midterm elections. The White House said Thursday that the US would not resume attacks before the vote.