Vice President JD Vance is preparing to take on what officials describe as the most important assignment of his career: steering U.S. efforts to end a war he had been concerned about waging from the start. President Trump made Vance's role official during a Cabinet meeting Thursday, asking him to provide updates on Iran while noting his collaboration with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on negotiations.
Vance has been deeply involved in diplomatic efforts, holding multiple calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and meeting with Gulf allies about the ongoing conflict. He has also participated in indirect communications with Iranian officials. According to sources, Vance was highly skeptical of Israel's prewar assessment and currently expects the conflict to continue for several more weeks.
White House officials believe Vance's seniority and documented opposition to open-ended overseas conflicts make him a more attractive negotiator for Iran than previous envoys Witkoff and Kushner, who oversaw two failed rounds of talks. Witkoff himself recommended Vance as lead negotiator. "If the Iranians can't strike a deal with Vance, they don't get a deal. He's the best they're gonna get," a senior administration official said.
Trump extended his deadline for negotiations with Iran on Thursday as Pakistani, Egyptian and Turkish mediators continue efforts to organize in-person talks. Iranian officials have told mediators they remain waiting for approval from their "top leadership." However, a White House official cautioned that while Vance is ready to participate if negotiations advance, talks have not yet reached that stage and Iran must decide whether to come to the negotiating table.