Washington and Tehran appear to have entered a critical phase in their nuclear talks. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US Vice President JD Vance said there were still unresolved issues regarding Iran’s nuclear program, but noted that progress had been made at the negotiating table.
“There are still a few issues”
Vance said the negotiations continue to focus on key elements of Iran’s nuclear capacity.
He pointed to highly enriched uranium stockpiles and enrichment activity as the main remaining issues in the talks.
“There are a couple of issues related to the nuclear matter: highly enriched stockpiles and the enrichment issue. At least so far, we believe they have been negotiating in good faith, and we are making some progress,” Vance said.
Trump’s approval may be needed
The US vice president said he hoped further progress could be achieved in the negotiations.
Vance noted that President Donald Trump could eventually reach a point where he would approve an agreement, but stressed that such an outcome was not yet certain.
No direct answer on uranium stockpiles
Vance did not give a direct answer when asked whether Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles would be removed from the country. He said some details still needed to be resolved and that the process would take more time.
“I am pretty optimistic”
Asked whether an agreement could be reached soon, Vance gave a cautiously hopeful response.
“We are getting to a point where we can put these issues on the table and resolve them, but we need to make a little more progress. I can’t guarantee that we will get there, but I am pretty optimistic right now,” he said.
Claim of a 60-day agreement
According to a report by Axios, citing two unnamed US officials, American and Iranian negotiators have reached a 60-day agreement to extend the ceasefire and continue talks on Iran’s nuclear program. The report said the deal is awaiting President Trump’s approval.
