Vice President JD Vance's efforts to secure a permanent peace deal with Iran have stalled amid renewed overseas attacks and widespread criticism that the interim agreement bolsters Tehran while failing to meet U.S. objectives.
Talks Postponed
Both Vance and Iranian officials postponed the planned start of weeks-long talks in Switzerland scheduled for Friday. The discussions were intended to finalize details of the peace pact, for which Vance has become both the public face and a target of criticism.
The postponement came as President Donald Trump ominously declared Iran finished on Friday, adding that the U.S. will play out the 60 days—the duration originally planned for the talks. It also followed renewed attacks between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, which Iran said must end for negotiations to continue. A ceasefire was declared later on Friday.
Trump's Warning
Trump and Iran have both threatened that war will resume immediately if either side acts in bad faith. Trump joked this week that Vance's neck is on the line if the deal fails, adding with a laugh that he would take full credit if it succeeds.
During a press conference Wednesday, Trump hollered, You better be careful, JD, before sidestepping Vance's planned signing of the deal on Friday and inking it himself digitally.
Vance Defends Deal
Vance, a presumed 2028 White House contender who also promoted his book tour this week, told reporters Thursday he isn't worried about being Trump's fall guy, saying the president's comments were made in jest.
Since the peace deal text was released, it has been slammed by Republican lawmakers as the worst foreign policy blunder in decades, completely out of step with the President's goals, and the result of some very poor advice.
At a White House press conference Thursday, Vance acknowledged hearing criticism from Israel's Cabinet but defended the administration's communication, saying the public messaging has been consistent and focused on the terms of the agreement.
Key Criticisms
- The deal leaves the fate of Iran's enriched material and nuclear issues open-ended until a final agreement.
- Critics argue Iran gained leverage by realizing its power to close the Strait of Hormuz, a tactic Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said Iran will undoubtedly leverage again.
- Confusion surrounds a reported $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, which Trump repeatedly denied, posting on Truth Social: There is no 300 Billion Dollar payment to Iran by the U.S. That's Fake News!
Ongoing Confusion
The deal also includes unfreezing Iranian assets—reportedly more than $100 billion—and lifting sanctions to allow Iran to resume oil sales. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade suggested Wednesday that Vance wasn't the right person for the job amid the turmoil.
When asked by a reporter whether the behind-the-scenes process is as chaotic as the public messaging, Vance laughed and denied it.
