Iran-US War: Witkoff Holds Talks with Iranian Leaders; Will a Ceasefire Be Announced Today?

New Delhi: US Vice President JD Vance has been placed on standby to participate in sensitive negotiations with Iran. Vance is poised to take the lead should the back-channel discussions escalate to the level of direct, face-to-face meetings. Currently, these negotiations are being led by the President’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the President’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Consequently, speculation is mounting as to whether a ceasefire announcement could be made as early as today.

At this juncture, it remains unclear what specific proposals or conditions Iran might put forward in exchange for these talks. The United States is conducting this entire process with the utmost discretion in an effort to pave the way for direct dialogue.

Negotiators hold little hope that Iran will yield to President Trump’s demand to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before the deadline set for Tuesday night. If this condition is not met, it would clear the path for the US to further escalate the conflict by targeting Iranian bridges and power plants.

During his second term, Trump has twice set deadlines for reaching a deal with Iran. He had warned that if Iranian leaders failed to comply with his demands, he would bomb the country—a threat he subsequently followed through on by authorizing military action.

What Is Happening Behind the Scenes?
Citing sources on Monday, Politico reported that if the contacts currently being facilitated through intermediaries evolve into direct negotiations, US Vice President JD Vance will participate in the potential face-to-face talks with Iranian representatives. Quoting its sources, the report stated: “Vance is standing by. If the back-channel discussions reach the level of direct meetings with Iranian officials, he is ready to join the sensitive negotiations with Iran.” The newspaper reported that, at this stage, US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and the American leader’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are involved in negotiations with Iran; however, should these two make headway, Vance could be brought into the process. Earlier, US President Donald had stated that talks were underway between Washington and Tehran, involving both Vance and Witkoff.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran. Attacks were carried out against major Iranian cities, including Tehran. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced countermeasures and targeted bases located within Israel. US military bases situated in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE were also subjected to attacks.