Trump confirms Vance and Rubio leading Iran negotiations 'right now' — Oval Office

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the Oval Office on March 25 that negotiations with Iran are actively ongoing: 'We're in negotiations right now. They're doing it, along with Marco, JD, with a number of people doing it.' The direct confirmation names Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the two senior officials personally leading the diplomatic process. This is the highest-level confirmation of Iran negotiations to date — previous statements had been hedged or denied by Iran. Reports additionally indicate that Iran specifically requested JD Vance as the US lead negotiator, preferring him over Steve Witkoff (Trump's Middle East envoy) and Jared Kushner — consistent with Iran's stated preference for dealing with elected officials rather than informal envoys. The 15-point ceasefire plan transmitted via Pakistan details: sanctions relief, restrictions on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, IAEA oversight, and guarantees for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Mediators describe the proposal as 'a solid foundation for talks.' Iran publicly denies formal negotiations while its own senior official confirmed message exchanges with intermediaries (NBC). Vance and Rubio leading the process signals the US treats this as a top-tier diplomatic priority at cabinet-and-above level — not a back-channel only.