WASHINGTON — U.S. Vice President JD Vance said technical discussions between American and Iranian officials remained an important part of efforts to reduce tensions, describing the talks as constructive while cautioning that any broader agreement would depend on Iran's actions rather than its statements.
Speaking as diplomatic contacts continued following weeks of military confrontation and a fragile interim arrangement, Vance said the technical teams were working through detailed issues that would be necessary for any lasting accord. He reiterated that Washington preferred a negotiated outcome but said the United States would protect its interests if diplomacy failed.
According to Vance, the discussions have focused on practical measures related to implementation of the interim understanding reached last month, including arrangements affecting navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and other technical issues that require continued engagement between specialists from both sides. He said the administration viewed the technical process as laying the groundwork for political decisions at a later stage.
Vance said President Donald Trump's administration remained committed to pursuing diplomacy alongside other elements of U.S. policy, adding that Washington did not seek a return to broader military conflict unless circumstances required it. He said verification and implementation would remain central to any final agreement.
The talks follow an interim accord intended to halt fighting and establish a framework for negotiations on longer-term issues, although both Washington and Tehran have publicly differed over aspects of the agreement's interpretation. Those disagreements have coincided with intermittent military exchanges, underscoring the challenges facing negotiators.
Iranian officials have continued to insist that any durable settlement must address Tehran's stated conditions, while U.S. officials have maintained that future sanctions relief and broader normalization would depend on Iranian compliance with agreed commitments. Independent verification of all claims made by either side has not been available.
Vance's comments came as U.S. officials said technical discussions would continue in the coming days. Neither government announced a timetable for concluding negotiations, and no final agreement had been confirmed as of Friday.
