From sceptic to negotiator: JD Vance leads US-Iran talks- why Trump chose him

Given that he had largely kept his distance from the conflict in its early stages, JD Vance could be an unlikely choice to lead the negotiations.

Why Trump picked Vance

Reports suggest Vance was chosen to lead the talks in part to meet a preference from Tehran. According to Reuters, some sections within Iran’s leadership saw him as an acceptable face for negotiations and had quietly indicated they wanted him involved, given his image as one of the more anti-war figures in the US administration.Vance however, dismissed the report and said he pushed to be part of the talks. “I wanted to be involved because I thought I could make a difference,” he told reporters before leaving Hungary.Despite Vance’s beliefs, the vice president said he supports the mission. “My key role was I sat on the phone a lot,” Vance quipped recently to reporters about helping to hammer out a cease-fire. “I answered a lot of phone calls.”

A risky job

The assignment comes with political and diplomatic risks. People familiar with his thinking told The Wall Street Journal that Vance is aware the outcome could have political consequences for him, but remained focused on ending the conflict. His office, however, said he is “not thinking about this in the realm of future political considerations”.There are also differences between the two sides. Iran has pushed for its right to enrich nuclear material, which the US has treated as a red line.The situation is further complicated by global stakes. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern, and any disruption has a wider economic impact.If the talks move forward, they could strengthen Vance’s standing within the administration and the wider Republican space. However, the risks remain high, and he could face criticism if the negotiations fail or the conflict continues.