- JD Vance says US-Iran talks have made “a lot of progress,” with the ball now in Tehran’s court.
- Recent high-level discussions show narrowing gaps, but no formal framework has been announced.
- Market watchers eye potential impact on oil prices and sanctions policy.
Vance: Progress Made, Next Move Up to Iran
Vice President JD Vance stated Thursday that US-Iran negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program have achieved “a lot of progress,” but cautioned that the next step must come from Iranian leaders. Speaking to reporters after a closed-door briefing, Vance said, “We’ve made real headway. The framework is clearer, but now it’s up to them to step forward.” The remarks follow a round of talks in Vienna this week, where diplomats exchanged revised proposals on enrichment limits and sanctions relief. According to a person familiar with the discussions, “The tone was constructive, and both sides are engaging seriously.” However, no formal deal has been reached, and Iranian officials have repeated that any agreement must guarantee sanctions removal and respect Iran’s enrichment rights. The US stance remains focused on verifiable rollbacks, with economic incentives tied to compliance.
Oil Markets Eye Diplomatic Breakthrough
The diplomatic signals have added a layer of uncertainty to global energy markets. Brent crude traded near $73 a barrel on Friday, down slightly on hopes that a deal could eventually ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Analysts caution that any revival of Iran’s output—potentially 1 million barrels per day—could weigh on prices. Still, a US official warned that negotiations remain fragile and that “nothing is done until it’s done.” The White House has not confirmed Vance’s characterization, saying only that talks are ongoing. Meanwhile, European mediators are pressing both sides to finalize a timeline. Without a breakthrough, the US could revert to a stricter enforcement posture, while Iran has hinted at accelerating enrichment—underscoring the stakes of the current window.