Vance defends deal with Iran to pause war for peace talks

Vice President JD Vance defended President Donald Trump’s interim peace deal on Thursday, insisting the United States is not paying the Islamic Republic and that any economic benefits for Iran depend on full compliance with the agreement.

“The United States isn’t giving up a cent of money to Iran,” Vance said.

His comments came as the White House faced Republican backlash over whether Trump gave Iran too much in a 14-point memorandum of understanding that includes sanctions relief, access to frozen funds, and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction plan.

“The only way the Iranians get any of these resources … is if they comply fully” with the terms of the deal, Vance said.

Vance said Iran’s “nuclear program has been completely destroyed,” framing the agreement as the next stage of Trump’s pressure campaign rather than a concession to Tehran.

“Now we see whether they are willing to comply with the next step of the president’s peace plan,” Vance said.

The deal, signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, ends military operations for now, reopens the Strait of Hormuz for at least 60 days to open a negotiating window for a final deal. Vance said that the 60-day period, which can be extended, began on Thursday.

Vance argued the agreement could reshape the region if Iran follows through.

“If they do change their behavior, they are going to have a transformative relationship with the Middle East,” Vance said.

He also suggested that more pragmatic forces inside Iran are gaining ground.

Pragmatists in Iran “are winning the argument,” Vance said. “The United States wants them to win the argument.”

This is a developing story. Please refresh for updates.