US vice president sends letter to Iranian security chief urging nuclear commitments for Hormuz opening

US Vice President JD Vance sent a personal letter to Iran’s supreme national security council secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, offering to restart diplomacy. The Guardian reported the letter was drafted after predominantly Qatari mediation and was delivered on Sunday. It asks Tehran to agree to make commitments on its nuclear programme as the first step in a process that would lead to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, in return for US sanctions relief. The move signals that Washington has not abandoned diplomatic channels despite heightened tensions following the recent midterm elections. Officials hope the proposal could serve as a final opportunity to avoid a new conflict between the United States and Iran.

Why it matters

A diplomatic breakthrough could keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open and reduce the risk of renewed US‑Iran fighting.

Key details

Location

Iran · Middle East

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

30 Oct 2026, 01:02 IST

Key names

JD Vance, Iranian, Washington, Lingering

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianJD Vance letter may offer last chance to avert fresh conflict between US and Iran 30 Oct, 01:02

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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