Vance says Iran talks productive but Tehran resists US 'red lines'

US Vice President JD Vance offered a mixed assessment of the just-concluded second round of nuclear negotiations with Iran, stating Tuesday that while discussions were productive "in some ways," Tehran remains unwilling to acknowledge and address key "red lines" set by President Donald Trump. Speaking with Fox News, Vance emphasized that Washington's "primary interest here is we don't want Iran to get a nuclear weapon," though he declined to specify which Iranian positions remain unacceptable.

Divergent Assessments from Geneva Talks

The negotiations, held in Geneva, brought together a US delegation led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, with Iran represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Vance confirmed that both sides agreed to continue the dialogue, stating, "They agreed to meet afterwards." However, he warned that Trump "reserves the ability to say when he thinks that diplomacy has reached its natural end," adding, "We hope we don't get to that point, but if we do, that will be the president's call."

Iran's More Positive Characterization

Araghchi offered a distinctly more optimistic readout of the discussions, describing the atmosphere as "more constructive" than previous encounters. He announced that both sides would work on drafting potential agreement texts for exchange and that the timing for the next round would be determined subsequently. "A clear path lies ahead for nuclear negotiations with the American side," Araghchi stated, adding that the trajectory is "assessed positively" from Tehran's perspective.

Context of Military Pressure and Diplomacy

The Geneva talks represent the second round of engagement since Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June and subsequently directed a US military buildup in the region. The administration has pursued a dual-track strategy of maximum military pressure while signaling openness to a negotiated agreement. Oman hosted the first round of indirect talks on February 6 in Muscat, establishing a channel for communication amid heightened tensions. The contrasting assessments from Washington and Tehran underscore the significant gaps that remain as both sides navigate the fragile diplomatic path forward.