Diplomatic contacts between the United States and Iran have intensified in recent weeks amid efforts to end hostilities and address the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance sending a letter to Iranian officials exploring renewed negotiations. Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has participated in private meetings with security figures such as Mohsen Rezaei to discuss conditions for de-escalation, though he has maintained a low public profile since assuming the role earlier in 2026. President Trump has described outreach as related to medical matters rather than formal talks and has previously indicated openness to a direct meeting, while indirect channels through intermediaries continue. Upcoming mediation efforts in neutral venues could influence whether a leader-to-leader conversation occurs within any specified resolution window.