Vance Calls Iran's Doha Denial a 'Persian Negotiation Tactic'
Washington (ANTARA) - United States Vice President J.D. Vance has stated that Iran’s open denial regarding ongoing talks is a deliberate “Persian negotiation tactic”.
During an appearance on The Michael Knowles Show, released on Tuesday (30/6), Vance also confirmed that technical discussions between the US and Iran are still ongoing.
“There are scheduled talks, truly technical talks, as a continuation of negotiations we have conducted previously. Those talks will certainly take place tomorrow,” said Vance.
He noted that Tehran’s public statements are both interesting and frustrating. According to him, Iranian officials deny the existence of peace negotiations while simultaneously acknowledging the existence of technical talks.
“They will say there are no peace negotiations ongoing, but there are technical talks between the United as and Iran regarding a peace deal. It is a Persian-style negotiation tactic and Persian-style rhetoric that I do not understand,” said Vance.
Vance stated that Trump has demonstrated a willingness to use military force if necessary, but only to achieve specific objectives.
“Their stance is just to drop bombs, drop bombs, and drop bombs; and they cannot really explain for what,” Vance remarked, mocking critics.
“But only if it supports a clear objective,” he added.
In a separate interview with FOX News, Vance said the US is more focused on Iran’s actions than the statements of its officials. According to Vance, meaningful progress in negotiations requires Iran to offer “real concessions”.
“We do not care much about 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 conveyed to us is to handle this issue, to see where these negotiations are heading, and if negotiations do not result in a successful resolution through diplomatic channels, then we still have many options,” he explained.
Iran continues to deny that any direct talks are scheduled with the US. Nevertheless, Iran stated that consultations with intermediary parties are still ongoing.
“What will be discussed in Doha tomorrow (Wednesday) is the implementation of the clauses of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), including the release of frozen Iranian assets currently held in Qatar,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.
The MoU between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, came into effect on Thursday (18/6) after being electronically signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump.
The MoU provides a framework to end the conflict that began in late February and to resolve various unresolved issues between the US and Iran through negotiation channels.
These issues include the cessation of hostilities, sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear programme, the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and broader regional security arrangements.