NEW | Iran Suspects Trump’s Peace Talks Push is Another Trick - Axios

Iranian officials have told mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey that they have already been deceived twice by President Trump and “we don’t want to be fooled again,” amid renewed U.S. efforts to arrange in-person peace talks in Islamabad this Thursday.

U.S. officials have floated Vice President JD Vance as a potential participant in the upcoming negotiations with Iran. According to sources, Vance was recommended due to the stature of his office and because Iranian officials do not view him as a hawk, making him a figure Tehran might trust to engage in discussions.

U.S. military deployments and troop reinforcements have heightened Iranian suspicions that the peace initiative is merely a ruse. U.S. officials openly acknowledge preparing for continued war even if talks proceed, with several fighter squadrons, Marine expeditionary units, and thousands of troops headed to the Middle East.

The Pentagon’s orders have not changed, and a potential ground operation remains on the table. Meanwhile, the U.S. has presented Tehran with a 15-point plan including a ceasefire, sanctions relief, and nuclear assurances, though Iran remains focused on ending the bombing and securing a genuine halt to hostilities.

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