Vice President says U.S. holds leverage in Iran talks

Vice President J.D. Vance said Monday that a pending U.S.-Iran agreement would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift sanctions if both sides meet their commitments. The statement came after officials announced that a signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday.

During a 60-day negotiation period that follows, the parties will address Iran's nuclear program, its support for proxies, and further sanctions relief.

Background on the agreement Oil prices dropped early Monday and settled around $80 per barrel, down from above $100 per barrel at the height of earlier conflict. Officials said the moves should ease pressure on both economies. Vance stated that the United States maintains leverage because it does not have to provide additional concessions if Iran does not meet long-term commitments on its nuclear program.

Reactions and next steps Critics said the deal returns conditions to the pre-conflict status quo and could provide sanctions relief to an Iranian government that remains largely unchanged. Officials also said the United States had struck Iran's stores of enriched uranium, damaging its nuclear capabilities.

Vance added that direct talks with Iranian counterparts are underway and that the United States has established relationships that could support further negotiations.