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Vice President JD Vance said Monday that negotiations with Iran in Switzerland successfully accomplished every major objective the United States brought to the talks, while acknowledging that significant work remains before a final agreement is reached.
Speaking with reporters after the discussions, Vance downplayed criticism from Iranian officials and described the meetings as a successful first step toward a broader diplomatic settlement. He said the administration entered the talks with four primary goals and achieved each one.
According to Vance, the first objective was to establish a framework to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and prevent future disputes from escalating into a broader conflict. He said oil and natural gas shipments through the critical waterway have already increased and that negotiators created mechanisms to address future incidents.
The second goal focused on preserving a regional ceasefire and creating communication channels to manage potential flare-ups involving Israel, Hezbollah and other regional actors before they spiral into larger confrontations.
Vance highlighted Iran’s reported agreement to allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors back into the country as the most significant achievement of the talks. He described the move as a major milestone for U.S. national security and nuclear oversight efforts.
The fourth objective involved establishing the structure for future technical negotiations. Vance said officials from the United States, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan made substantial progress in creating the procedures and oversight mechanisms needed to continue discussions in the coming weeks.
While expressing optimism, Vance emphasized that the talks produced a foundation rather than a final settlement. He said major issues involving Iran’s nuclear program, economic sanctions, and long-term compliance remain unresolved and will be the focus of continued negotiations.
“The final deal is the house. We set the foundation,” Vance said, describing the current agreement as an important first step rather than a completed accord.
The negotiations are part of a broader 60-day diplomatic process aimed at addressing Iran’s nuclear activities, regional security concerns, and economic issues while maintaining a fragile ceasefire that followed months of conflict.