The United States and Iran are nearing a diplomatic breakthrough but have not yet finalised the terms, Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday. In a briefing to reporters, Vance described the talks as “very close” to an agreement, while cautioning that outstanding issues remain. The negotiations, brokered through Omani intermediaries, have focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and the lifting of economic sanctions.
Vance’s statement marks the first senior US official confirmation of progress since the indirect talks resumed in Vienna last month. Analysts note that a deal would restore elements of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which the Trump administration abandoned in 2018. However, differences persist over the scope of uranium enrichment and verification mechanisms.
“We are not there yet,” Vance said, declining to specify a timeline. The remarks come as the Biden administration seeks to stabilise the Middle East amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. European diplomats involved in the talks have urged both sides to demonstrate flexibility.
A final agreement would require approval from the US Congress and Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for mid-January.
