U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Monday that Washington is now speaking directly with the Iranian system, no longer relaying messages through indirect channels. He said the Gulf coalition hated the Obama-era Iran deal but supports President Trump's agreement, which he argued will make the entire region safer. Vance also noted that 'some in Israel very much like' the deal and pledged to publish the text this week.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance issued a broad statement on Monday addressing the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, asserting that Washington is now in direct talks with Tehran without intermediaries. "We're speaking directly with the Iranian system. We're no longer passing messages through indirect channels," he said, according to Israeli media.
Vance framed the emerging agreement as a transformative regional opportunity, contrasting it with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He said the Gulf coalition, which he described as having 'hated' the Obama-era deal, now backs Trump's agreement. "They see it as an opportunity to build a new Middle East," he added.
On Israel, Vance noted that "some elements in Israel very much like the agreement," and promised that Israel would have a seat at the table in the new regional order. He confirmed the deal's text would be published this week, saying: "When people see this agreement... they will understand it will make the entire region safer."
Vance also argued the U.S. holds all the cards: "We don't have to give the Iranians anything if they don't commit long-term to what we demand on the nuclear program." He pointed to the destruction of Iran's military capability and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage, saying Iran's army has been 'destroyed' and its nuclear program 'eliminated.' The remarks come a day after Vance separately confirmed his intent to attend a signing ceremony in Geneva, with possible Trump attendance. As The Zioneer has reported over recent days, the administration has been signaling a deal is imminent.
2 developments
- DevelopingUS VP Vance says Iran nuclear deal 'very close,' would be long-term
- ConfirmedUS VP Vance: Washington prioritizes nuclear deal with Iran over Israeli preferences
- DevelopingVP Vance rebuts 'false information' on US-Iran deal, says no upfront cash for Tehran
- DevelopingUS VP Vance says Iran deal could be signed next week — or take months
Source and signal
- Internal intake