Why US-Iran talks hit a wall despite Vance’s ‘progress’ claims

High-level talks between the United States and Iran have stalled without a breakthrough, with US Vice President JD Vance indicating that while discussions showed movement, key differences over Tehran’s nuclear programme remain unresolved.

The negotiations, held recently in Pakistan, marked a rare moment of direct engagement at the senior-most level between the two sides. However, Washington’s insistence on strict conditions, including the removal of enriched uranium and binding guarantees against nuclear weapons development, continues to hold up any agreement.

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Speaking to Fox News, Vance said the talks produced mixed outcomes. “I wouldn’t just say that things went wrong. I also think things went right. We made a lot of progress,” he said, describing the meeting as “the first time that you’d ever seen the Iranian government, the US government meet at such a high level”.

Core disagreement remains over nuclear red lines

At the heart of the deadlock is the US position that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. Vance made it clear that all American demands stem from this central principle.

“I 100% agree with US President Donald Trump on the fact that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon… If they’re willing to engage in economic terrorism on the entire world, what would it mean — what leverage would they have — if they had a nuclear bomb in Tehran?” he said.

He outlined two non-negotiable conditions: the removal of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles and a “conclusive commitment to not develop a nuclear weapon”, backed by strict verification.

“It’s one thing for the Iranians to say that they themselves are never gonna have a nuclear weapon… but you have to, of course, verify these things,” he said.

While noting that Iranian negotiators had shown some flexibility, Vance added they “didn’t move far enough”, leading both sides to step back and consult their respective leaderships.

‘Economic terrorism’ charge and Strait of Hormuz concern

Vance also sharpened his criticism of Tehran, accusing it of using global shipping routes as leverage.

“Iran was willing to engage in economic terrorism around the world,” he said, warning that such actions raise concerns about the country’s potential nuclear ambitions.

A key issue flagged by the US is the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supply. Vance said Washington expects the route to be fully operational.

“We need to see the straits… fully open,” he said, adding that although there has been “some significant uptick in traffic”, “we haven’t seen that full reopening”.

He cautioned that failure to restore normal shipping could alter the course of negotiations.

On enforcement, Vance said US naval monitoring extends beyond Iranian vessels. “Any vessel that we know is going to Iranian ports or has come from Iranian ports… we’re gonna know,” he said, pointing to American intelligence reach.

“If the Iranians are gonna try to engage in economic terrorism, we’re gonna abide by a simple principle that no Iranian ships are getting out either,” he added.

Future talks hinge on Tehran’s next move

Despite the impasse, Washington has not shut the door on a deal. Vance said there remains a pathway forward if Iran accepts US conditions.

“The ball really is in their court,” he said, making it clear that the next step depends on Tehran’s willingness to commit.

He also indicated that Iranian negotiators may not have had the authority to finalise an agreement during the recent round, noting they would need approval from higher authorities back home. The US delegation exited after nearly 21 hours of discussions.

“We must have their conclusive commitment not to develop a nuclear weapon. And I think that if the Iranians are willing to meet us there, then this can be a very, very good deal for both countries. If they’re not willing to meet us there, that’s up to them,” Vance said.

Reiterating Washington’s position of strength, he added: “We have a lot of cards. We have the leverage.”