The United States is preparing to assign Vice President JD Vance a central role in efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran and explore possible negotiations, in what is being described as the most critical assignment of his political career.

According to a report by Axios, Washington has begun positioning Vance as a key interlocutor as it seeks to contain the conflict and open diplomatic channels.

Sources said Vance has held multiple discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside meetings with Gulf allies. He has also been involved in indirect contacts with Iranian officials.

Before the war, Vance was among a small group within the administration that voiced reservations about military action against Iran. However, since the conflict began, he has publicly supported the US position.

Recent interactions between Vance and Netanyahu have reportedly been tense.

According to Britain’s Daily Mail, the US vice president criticised Israeli assessments ahead of strikes on Iran, saying they proved inaccurate.

He reportedly described expectations of regime collapse and mass uprising in Iran as overly optimistic.

A separate Israeli media report suggested Vance’s frustration stemmed from violence involving Israeli settlers in the West Bank rather than the Iran war, but both US and Israeli sources dismissed that claim as inaccurate.

The report said some hardline Israeli circles are uneasy with Vance’s relatively measured stance and favour sustained military pressure on Iran.

These groups are believed to be working to undermine his emerging diplomatic role.

US President Donald Trump discussed Iran strategy with Vance during a cabinet meeting on Thursday and was briefed on ongoing diplomatic efforts. Vance is said to be working alongside envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner on the issue.

White House officials say Vance’s seniority and past opposition to prolonged wars could make him a more acceptable negotiating figure for Tehran. Witkoff has also reportedly recommended him as the lead negotiator.

A senior official said that if Iran refuses to engage with Vance, the prospects for any agreement would be minimal.

The White House, however, cautioned that reports of a defined negotiation framework are premature, stating that discussions remain at an early stage and that Iran has yet to decide when and how it will enter talks.

According to the report, countries including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye are attempting to facilitate direct negotiations.

Iranian officials have told mediators they are awaiting approval from top leadership before proceeding.

If talks materialise, Vance could face Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, across the negotiating table.

Analysts say the outcome of this diplomatic effort could significantly shape Vance’s political future.

Success in bringing Iran to the table and securing a lasting agreement could strengthen his position as a leading Republican contender for the 2028 presidential election.

Failure, however, risks placing the burden of a diplomatic breakdown squarely on his shoulders, potentially weakening his standing in the race for the White House.