'Willing to transform relationship if Iranians change their ways': US VP JD Vance
Washington DC, June 16
US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday outlined the framework of Washington's emerging agreement with Tehran, asserting that the deal would ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon while opening the door to a potential transformation in relations if the country demonstrates verifiable changes in its conduct.
Speaking to Fox News, he addressed the claims circulating about financial incentives allegedly linked to the deal. Vance dismissed reports that Washington was transferring billions of dollars to Tehran.
"I've seen a lot of misinformation out there. I've seen $24 billion going from the United States to Iran. That number is totally false, totally made up."
He reiterated key pointers from the deal--from the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to oil prices coming down and ensuring Iran never has a nuclear weapon, while leaving open the possibility of improved bilateral ties contingent on verified Iranian compliance.
He told Fox News, "If the Iranians are willing to change their ways and stop trying to build a nuclear weapon, stop trying to fund terrorism all over the Middle East, then we are willing to actually fundamentally transform our relationship with them. That's what the president has offered. We would need to verify that. We would need to see real progress and real action."
Speaking to Fox News, Vance said Iran is currently committed to dismantling its stockpile of enriched nuclear material, while emphasising that any broader benefits under the agreement would depend on Tehran ending uranium enrichment and complying with strict verification measures.
"They're (Iran) agreeing right now to eliminate the enriched stockpile. And if they don't get to a point where they agree to stop enriching, then they don't get the other benefits of the bargain," Vance said.
The US Vice President noted that Washington would work with Iran and international organisations to ensure the destruction of enriched nuclear material, adding that recent developments had significantly weakened Tehran's nuclear capabilities.
"We have fundamentally destroyed their programme, and this sets them back a little bit further," he said.
Highlighting key differences from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated under former President Barack Obama, Vance told Fox News, "There were a number of problems. Number one - the Gulf Arabs hated the Obama deal because they thought it empowered the Iranians to be a malign actor and actually enriched the Iranians while they were misbehaving," he said.
Vance further stated that shortcomings in the inspection mechanism were another major concern under the JCPOA, stressing that the current arrangement would be based on verifiable Iranian commitments before any benefits are extended.
He also said Gulf Arabs "love" the present agreement, describing it as a framework that could help reshape the future of West Asia.
The peace agreement between them is expected to be formally signed in Geneva later this week.
President Trump has described the accord as a "very powerful document" and indicated that its full text will be released publicly following the signing ceremony.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Verifiable changes in conduct" - sounds good on paper but how many times have we seen such deals fall apart? The US changes administrations every 4-8 years and all commitments get thrown out. India has learnt this lesson the hard way with various partners. Hope the Gulf countries aren't putting all eggs in one basket.
As someone whose family runs a business exporting to the Gulf, this is crucial. If Iran stops funding proxy groups and Strait of Hormuz remains open, it means stable oil prices and safe trade routes. But I'm skeptical - Iran has been sponsoring instability for decades. Let's see if words match actions this time. 🤔
Vance says Gulf Arabs "love" this deal - but do they? Saudi and UAE have their own ambitions in Yemen and elsewhere. The US seems to be cherry-picking which Iranian activities to condemn. What about Iranian support for Houthis attacking our ships? India needs to stay alert and maintain strategic autonomy regardless of what Washington and Tehran agree.
Nuclear deal or not, the real issue is Iran's influence in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen through proxies. The US talking about "transformed relations" while Iran continues its regional meddling seems unrealistic. But if this genuinely reduces tensions, it's good for Indian diaspora in the Gulf. My brother works in Dubai and the uncertainty there is real.
From my experience working in international relations, the devil is in the details. "Verifiable commitments" is a good start but without robust inspection mechanisms, this is just another paper agreement. The US needs to learn from past mistakes where Iran cheated on enrichment
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.