Iran Refuses Talks with U.S. Envoys Kushner and Whitaker, Prefers Vice President Vance

Iran has declined to engage in negotiations with U.S. Middle East envoy Whitaker and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, accusing them of being untrustworthy, according to the UK’s Daily Telegraph. According to Jin10, Gulf sources revealed that Iran is unwilling to meet with Whitaker and Kushner following a military strike on Tehran just hours after their February talks. U.S. Vice President Vance has remained largely silent during this conflict, but if talks resume later this week in Islamabad, Pakistan, he is seen as the preferred lead negotiator. "Vance is the more favored choice," a Gulf source commented on Iran's stance. "They do not wish to cooperate with Kushner and Whitaker due to their perceived betrayal." The source added that Iran believes Vance would honor commitments, and his involvement is considered appropriate for negotiations with Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Vice President Vance's potential role as the new head of the U.S. negotiation team indicates the White House's intent to avoid further economic losses and ease tensions, although a clear strategy to end the conflict remains elusive.