Axios: American Messages to Iran Confirm Trump's Seriousness in Negotiations

SadaNews - Axios reported on Wednesday that the White House has sent messages to the Iranians indicating that U.S. President Donald Trump is serious about negotiations aimed at ending the war.

The site clarified that Washington hinted at the possibility of Vice President J.D. Vance participating in talks with Iran as a sign of seriousness.

Axios quoted a White House official stating that Trump is "optimistic about negotiations with Iran, and holding a meeting in Pakistan is possible."

According to U.S. and Israeli officials quoted by the site, Trump is simultaneously trying to build options for diplomacy and military escalation, so that he can make a decision based on developments.

American media reported on Tuesday that the U.S. military is preparing to send about 3,000 paratroopers from an air mobility unit to the Middle East to support operations against Iran.

In a related context, CNN reported from sources that Iran informed the Trump administration that it prefers negotiations with Vice President J.D. Vance.

The network confirmed that Iranian officials informed the Trump administration through channels that they do not wish to resume negotiations with envoy Steve Whitcomb and Jared Kushner.

The Trump administration presented a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran, according to a person familiar with the outlines of the plan who spoke to the Associated Press.

The ceasefire plan was delivered to Iran through intermediaries from Pakistan, which offered to host new negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Trump stated on Tuesday that the United States is making progress in its efforts to negotiate an end to the war with Iran, including obtaining a significant concession from Tehran.

Trump mentioned to reporters at the White House that the U.S. is talking to "the right people" in Iran to reach an agreement to end hostilities, adding that the Iranians are very eager to reach an agreement.

The U.S. president continued saying, "We are close to reaching an agreement and are working towards that, and I may not be happy about this agreement," indicating that "the Iranian president (Masoud Bezhakian) is sending signals that may be significant and of importance."

As reported by the New York Times from two officials, Washington sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war in the Middle East.

Israeli Channel 12, citing three sources, stated that the United States is seeking a month-long ceasefire to discuss the 15-point plan.

Israeli media mentioned that the plan will include dismantling Iran's nuclear program, stopping support for allied groups, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.