Iranian officials have conveyed to the Trump administration that they are unwilling to resume negotiations with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, instead indicating a preference to deal with Vice President JD Vance, according to two regional sources who spoke with CNN on Tuesday.

The communication, delivered through indirect diplomatic channels, reflects Tehran’s view that talks involving Witkoff and Kushner would likely be unproductive. Iranian leaders reportedly believe that trust has eroded following the collapse of earlier negotiations that preceded military action by Israel and the United States.

Sources said that Vance is seen differently by Iranian officials. Compared to Witkoff, Kushner, and even Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he is perceived as more inclined toward ending the conflict.

“The perception is that Vance would be intent on wrapping up the conflict,” one of the sources told CNN.

At the same time, regional observers acknowledge that involving Vance carries its own challenges, noting that reaching a resolution to the conflict would be complex and difficult regardless of who leads the talks.

Despite Iran’s stated preferences, Witkoff continues to play a central role in U.S. diplomatic efforts. The sources added that Tehran may ultimately have little choice but to negotiate with whichever representatives are appointed by the Trump administration.

Reports surfaced last week claiming that a direct line of communication between Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been reopened. However, Araghchi publicly rejected that assertion.

Witkoff recently disclosed that during discussions over a potential nuclear agreement, Iranian officials claimed they had the capability to produce 11 nuclear weapons.

In an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Witkoff also said it was evident from those discussions that Iran had no real intention of reaching an agreement.

Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump stated that all senior members of his diplomatic team are taking part in the ongoing negotiations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the decision over who represents the United States rests solely with the president.

“President Trump and only President Trump determines who negotiates on behalf of the United States. As the President stated today, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Mr. Kushner will all be involved,” Leavitt said.

Looking ahead, a potential meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials later this week in Islamabad remains under consideration. However, even those supporting the idea are doubtful that it will ultimately take place, according to the sources.

In a separate report, Axios indicated that Iranian officials have told mediating countries that they feel they have already been misled twice by Trump and are wary of repeating that experience, saying “we don’t want to be fooled again.”

{Matzav.com}