Vice President (VP) JD Vance confirmed that talks between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan over the weekend “did make some progress” during an interview with Fox News Channel’s “Special Report.”
“They moved in our direction,” VP Vance expressed during the interview, referencing the U.S.’ demand for the removal of nuclear material from the Islamic Republic and a measure that ensures Tehran cannot enrich uranium domestically in the future.
“We've made clear that we absolutely need to see the nuclear material come out of the country of Iran...the ball is in the Iranians' court because we put a lot on the table," VP Vance stated.
VP Vance added that U.S. negotiators affirmed that President Donald Trump “would be very happy if Iran was treated like a normal country, if it had a normal economy,” without clarifying the statement.
“There really is, I think, a grand deal to be had here. But, it’s up to the Iranians, I think, to take the next step,” VP Vance asserted.
VP Vance’s announcement comes after two U.S. officials and a source familiar with the negotiations reportedly told The AP that both Washington and Tehran were considering initiating negotiations following the initial failed talks over the weekend.
The White House did not clarify whether the new negotiations were being considered when asked by reporters about the matter.
“President Trump, Vice President Vance and the negotiating team have made the U.S. red lines very clear. The Iranians desperation for a deal will only increase with President Trump’s highly effective Naval blockade now in effect,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said when asked about the negotiations.
The U.S. Navy currently has a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with more than 15 U.S. warships in place to support the operation, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
President Trump previously warned the Islamic Republic that Iranian “fast attack ships … will be immediately ELIMINATED,” if they attempt to approach the U.S. blockade.
