JD Vance Says Iran's Rejection of Direct Talks is a Negotiation Tactic

US Vice President JD Vance has stated that Iran’s public rejection of direct talks is merely a negotiation tactic, as technical discussions between Washington and Tehran continue. In an interview released on Tuesday, Vance said the scheduled technical talks, which build upon previous negotiations, are still going ahead. “They will say, no, no, no peace talks are ongoing, but there are technical talks between the United States and Iran about a peace deal. That is a Persian negotiation tactic and a Persian rhetorical device that I do not understand,” he said. Vance defended the Trump administration’s approach, stating that the President is willing to use military force if necessary but only to serve a clear purpose. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated that Tehran has no agenda for direct talks with the US, describing the Doha meetings merely as discussions on implementing a previously signed memorandum of understanding. A senior US official confirmed that White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had travelled to Doha to continue dialogue regarding the implementation of the agreement, which addresses the cessation of hostilities, sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear programme, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.