Vance on Iran negotiations: We hold all the cards

US Vice President James David Vance, in a statement regarding the negotiations with Iran, claimed that Washington is in a strong position in the process. Speaking to Fox News, Vance said that the primary goal of the US administration is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Vance stated that Iran has not targeted ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks and that the flow of oil continues, arguing that the messages delivered by US President Donald Trump have been effective in this regard. Stating that Trump has clearly expressed that the US would respond if Iran attacks ships, Vance noted that a "carrot and stick" approach may be needed in this process.

Emphasizing that the US wants the negotiations to conclude successfully, Vance stated that in such a scenario, a picture of an Iran that "does not finance regional terrorism and instability, has permanently abandoned its nuclear weapons goals, and is readmitted to the global economy" could emerge.

Vance, however, did not rule out the possibility that the talks could fail. Arguing that the US has a strong hand if Iran does not make the necessary concessions, Vance used harsh language regarding Iran's nuclear program and conventional military.

We hold all the cards in the negotiations. Frankly, we want the negotiations to be successful, but even if they are not, we have fulfilled our primary duty. That is to ensure that the Iranians never possess a nuclear weapon.

TEHRAN'S STANCE IS BEING MONITORED

Claiming that there are factions within the Iranian administration that are dissatisfied with the current line, Vance said that the attitude at the negotiating table points to internal tensions in Tehran. According to Vance, the seriousness of the Iranian side will be understood not only by the messages given but by the concrete steps to be taken.

Vance stated that the Trump administration is focusing on Iran's actions rather than its words, noting that they have seen "some positive and negative signs." The US Vice President argued that Washington still has many options if a diplomatic solution cannot be reached.