JD Vance stated on Tuesday that Washington still sees the potential for a major agreement with Iran, but placed the responsibility for advancing negotiations squarely on Tehran. His remarks come amid growing indications that a new round of talks could take place as early as Thursday, following the collapse of last Sunday’s negotiations.
Speaking to Fox News, Vance said the discussions held in Islamabad were not entirely unsuccessful. He noted that Iranian negotiators made limited concessions, but stressed that these steps fell short of meeting US expectations.
Core US Demands: Full Nuclear Concessions
Vance reaffirmed that Washington’s primary condition remains the complete removal of Iran’s uranium enrichment capability. He stated that the United States seeks the total extraction of enriched uranium from Iranian territory.
He further tied any potential agreement to Iran abandoning its pursuit of nuclear weapons and halting what the US describes as support for terrorism.
Controlled Exit Strategy from Conflict
According to Vance, progress was made in Islamabad, but negotiations did not reach a final outcome. He emphasised that the next phase depends on Iran taking decisive steps.
He described Iranian negotiators as highly resilient, warning that any scenario involving a nuclear armed Iran would impose severe global consequences.
On US strategic objectives, Vance claimed that Washington has already achieved its operational goals on the ground and is positioned to begin a gradual de escalation. He added that the US prefers to conclude the conflict through a comprehensive agreement, noting that Donald Trump does not intend to prolong the current situation.
Strait of Hormuz as a Critical Pressure Point
Addressing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Vance warned that any Iranian retreat from keeping the passage open would fundamentally and immediately alter US engagement with Tehran.
He stressed that maintaining full access to the strait is a non negotiable condition, adding that restrictions on oil flow through the waterway are already exerting economic pressure on Iran.
Vance also acknowledged rising energy costs, stating that the US administration is engaged in intensive negotiations aimed at delivering relief in the near term.
Renewed Diplomatic Push Before Ceasefire Deadline
Efforts are underway to organise a new round of negotiations before the current ceasefire expires. Bloomberg reported that discussions are ongoing to arrange another direct meeting between US and Iranian officials to secure a longer term ceasefire.
Sources indicated that Islamabad remains a leading candidate to host the next round of talks.
Meanwhile, Associated Press cited a mediating country, which it did not name, as stating that both sides have already agreed in principle to resume negotiations, although no official confirmation has been issued.
US officials also suggested that Thursday is being considered as a potential date for renewed talks, with both Islamabad and Geneva under consideration as venues.
Uranium Enrichment Dispute Remains Unresolved
The dispute over uranium enrichment continues to be the central obstacle. The New York Times reported that Iran has expressed willingness to suspend enrichment activities for up to five years, a proposal that was rejected by Trump.
However, The Atlantic cited a US official indicating that some progress has been made regarding Iran scaling back its nuclear ambitions, although no formal confirmation has been issued from Tehran.
Economic Pressure Intensifies
US officials, citing intelligence assessments, believe that declining oil revenues could push Iran towards greater flexibility in negotiations, particularly following the imposition of a US naval blockade earlier this week.
The latest developments follow the conclusion of talks in Islamabad last Sunday, which ended without a final agreement and were accompanied by mutual accusations over responsibility for the breakdown.
Earlier, on 8 April, both sides had announced a two week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, intended to create space for broader negotiations to end the conflict that began on 28 February.
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