Vice President Vance sent a letter to Iran's national security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, emphasizing that any negotiations to prevent U.S. military strikes must include discussions on the nuclear issue. This represents the highest-level U.S. engagement with Iran in months, potentially signaling a shift in strategy. The letter comes amid President Trump's consideration of resuming major combat operations in Iran post-midterm elections. Vance proposed sending the letter, targeting Rezaei due to his close ties to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. President Trump reportedly approved of the letter's content, according to a U.S. official. A major obstacle to relaunching negotiations is Iran's demand for sanctions relief, including the lifting of a naval blockade and the release of frozen funds, before nuclear talks resume. Conversely, the U.S. insists on Iran re-engaging in nuclear negotiations before any sanctions relief is considered. President Trump, however, publicly stated the letter's purpose was to facilitate Iran's acquisition of essential medical supplies. He described the letter as an effort to "help people that are not well." The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the existence of this letter.