Several issues on Iran’s nuclear program remain unresolved — JD Vance

Lead

US Vice President JD Vance has said that several issues on Iran’s nuclear program remain unresolved, including the highly enriched uranium stockpile and the question of enrichment, as talks between Washington and Tehran continue. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington on May 29, Vance said the two sides were “going back and forth” on these points, while reiterating that the Iranians “want a deal” and have so far negotiated “in good faith.”

Coverage Comparison

The remarks were reported by TASS, which quoted Vance as saying that it is hard to say exactly when or if President Donald Trump will sign a memorandum of understanding with Iran. The same report noted that Axios had earlier said that negotiators had agreed on a draft memorandum providing for a 60-day ceasefire and the start of consultations on Tehran’s nuclear program, but that the Tasnim news agency later reported the text had not yet been agreed upon or approved.

Other reports from the Jerusalem Post and TASS covered related statements by Vance in various interviews. In a CBS News interview aired on June 10, Vance said the US was “very close” to achieving a deal that would address Iran’s nuclear program “for the long term.” He suggested that an agreement could be reached before the November midterm elections, but also cautioned that it could happen “in the next week” or “months from now.”

Key Claims

• Vance stated that the US and Iran have not yet resolved a number of issues on Tehran’s nuclear program, mentioning the highly enriched stockpile and the question of enrichment. This was reported by TASS.
• Vance said that both sides have made “a lot of progress” in talks and that neither wants to see a resumption of the military campaign. He made these remarks at a White House briefing on May 19, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
• Vance told Fox News that the US will secure a deal with Iran even if Israel disagrees or opposes it. He said “Israel may like it and it may not, but ultimately we believe it serves the interests of the United States.” This was reported by both the Jerusalem Post and TASS.
• President Trump vowed to recover Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, stating “We will get it. We don't need it, we don't want it. We'll probably destroy it after we get it, but we're not going to let them have it.” This was reported by the Jerusalem Post. Iran is believed to possess about 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, according to the same report.
• The US Senate rejected a resolution that would have instructed the American administration to cease military actions against Iran, with 47 senators voting in favor and 48 against. This was reported by TASS.
• Vance said that those who disagree with the US-Iran deal are essentially supporting the continuation of an endless conflict, saying “They want this to go on until every bomb has been dropped or until every Iranian is dead.” This was reported by TASS.
• The US and Iran are close to signing a deal that envisages negotiations on the suspension of Tehran’s nuclear enrichment program, according to Axios, as cited by TASS.
• Vance said that the US wants Iran to behave like a normal country, including giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium, stopping funding to terrorist organizations, and making the country investible. He said that if Tehran complies, “benefits will float to them.” This was reported by the Jerusalem Post.
• President Trump said the United States will declare “total victory” over Iran within two weeks, a claim reported by the Jerusalem Post and carried by a single outlet.

Perspectives

US Administration (via Vice President JD Vance): The administration believes a deal is close and in the US interest, even if Israel opposes it. Vance has emphasized that the core goal is ensuring Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, and that the US is pursuing a long-term agreement that would also bring economic benefits.

Axios/Tasnim (as cited by TASS): Differing reports on the status of a draft memorandum of understanding, with Axios saying a draft had been agreed upon and Tasnim saying the text had not been finalized.