Iran War: US Vice President Says Washington and Tehran Are Close to Agreement
Image source, Reuters
US Vice President JD Vance stated that although Washington and Tehran are close to an agreement to end the conflict, many complicated issues between the two sides remain unresolved.
In response to questions about whether the deal was close to being signed, Vance advised both sides not to rush finalizing an agreement, emphasizing it was a “when or if” matter.
The potential agreement would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and initiate negotiations regarding the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
US officials stated on Thursday that the two countries have agreed on certain aspects of the framework for the agreement.
However, the deal has not yet received approval from the leadership of President Trump or the Iranian side.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the agreement has neither been finalized nor confirmed.
What More Did Vance Say?
In his Thursday evening statement, Vance mentioned that negotiators are “revising some language points,” including “amendments to the agreement.”
“We haven’t yet reached that stage, but we are close and will continue to work on it,” he said to reporters.
The US has long demanded that Iran cease production of highly enriched uranium and destroy current stockpiles, which could be used for nuclear weapons.
Speaking to journalists in Washington DC, Vance expressed optimism and noted that the Iranian delegates are present in the talks “with a positive purpose.”
Since the initial ceasefire between the two countries on April 8, President Trump has repeatedly stated that the agreement is close and talks are progressing.
However, no concrete results have emerged so far.
Pressure on Trump
Image source, Reuters
President Trump is facing increasing pressure to end the conflict, including from US regional partners in the Gulf.
Opposition comes from Democrats as well as some Republican lawmakers concerned about America’s long-standing involvement in conflict.
Contradictory reports released on Thursday highlight the fragile state of the negotiations.
Both countries have issued conflicting statements denying each other’s claims.
Only limited details of the proposed agreement have emerged, raising questions about how close the parties are to genuinely ending hostilities.
‘Second Option’ of Returning to War
President Trump and other officials have warned that the “second option” — returning to combat — remains on the table.
Meanwhile, extending the ceasefire would provide an opportunity for the US and Iranian teams to discuss complex technical issues.
These discussions would particularly focus on Iran’s nuclear program and the stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.
Trump has also suggested that the US might remove the uranium or work with Iran to ‘dilute’ it at a third location.