JD Vance letter may be the last chance to avert a fresh US-Iran conflict as Trump's military options are readied

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 October 2026.

Vice President JD Vance has sent a letter to Iranian hardliner Mohsen Rezaei in what officials are describing as a potential final diplomatic opening before the US launches military action. The White House is simultaneously readying strike options for Trump as midterm elections loom, with officials having confirmed the plans are being finalised. Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader, has described the standoff as a "crossroads," while Tehran is demanding that Washington remove its blockade of Iranian ports as a precondition for any peace talks.

The US is pressing Iran for concessions on its nuclear programme — a demand Tehran has so far refused to meet.

Iran is also reportedly preparing to interfere in next week's US midterm elections, following alleged meddling in Israel's vote.

Democrats are pushing for congressional majorities that could strip Trump of unilateral war powers over Iran, raising the prospect of a constitutional battle.