Vance Calls Iran's Doha Denial a 'Persian Negotiation Tactic'

US Vice President J.D. Vance has said Iran’s public denial of ongoing talks is a deliberate ‘Persian negotiation tactic’. Speaking on The Michael Knowles Show, released Tuesday (30/6), Vance also confirmed that technical discussions between the US and Iran are continuing. ‘There are talks that have been scheduled, truly technical talks, as a follow-up to the negotiations we have had previously. They will definitely take place tomorrow,’ Vance said. He described Tehran’s public statements as both interesting and frustrating, noting that Iranian officials deny peace negotiations are underway while simultaneously acknowledging technical discussions. ‘They will say there are no peace negotiations going on, but there are technical talks between the United States and Iran about a peace deal. That is a Persian negotiation tactic and a style of Persian rhetoric that I do not understand,’ Vance said. According to Vance, President Trump has demonstrated a willingness to use military force if necessary, but only to achieve specific objectives. ‘Their attitude is just drop bombs, drop bombs, and drop bombs; and they cannot really explain what for,’ Vance said, taking a swipe at critics. ‘But only if it supports a clear goal,’ he added. In a separate interview with FOX News, Vance said the US is more focused on Iran’s actions than its officials’ statements. He said meaningful progress in negotiations requires Iran to offer ‘real concessions’. ‘We do not really care what the Iranian side says. We care much more about what they do. Of course, we see some positive signs. We also see some negative signs. What the president has told us is to handle this issue, see where these negotiations go, and if the negotiations do not result in a successful resolution through diplomatic channels, then we still have plenty of options,’ he explained. Iran continues to deny that any direct talks are scheduled with the US. However, it has stated that consultations with intermediaries are ongoing. ‘What will be done in Doha tomorrow (Wednesday) is a discussion on the implementation of the clauses of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), including the release of Iran’s frozen assets, which are currently in Qatar,’ said Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. The MoU between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, came into effect on Thursday (18/6) after being signed electronically by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump. The MoU provides a framework for ending the conflict that began in late February and resolving various unresolved issues between the US and Iran through negotiations. These issues include a cessation of hostilities, sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear programme, the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and broader regional security arrangements.