JD Vance says US-Iran talks making progress, deal still under discussion

US Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday that Washington and Iran have made significant progress in ongoing negotiations aimed at easing tensions in West Asia, though a proposed agreement has not yet received final approval from President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters, Vance said discussions between the two sides were continuing over specific language in a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), adding that negotiations were moving in a constructive direction.

“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Vance said, while noting that Trump has not yet decided whether to endorse the draft understanding.

According to Vance, both Washington and Tehran appear interested in restoring stability in the region, including reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and ensuring normal maritime traffic through the corridor. However, major disagreements continue over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the future of its nuclear programme.

The remarks come amid reports that the United States and Iran are attempting to extend a fragile ceasefire following months of military escalation involving the US, Iran and Israel.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also indicated that negotiators may be moving closer to a broader framework, although he stressed that unresolved issues remain.

The talks are focused on several key areas, including sanctions relief, the handling of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves, frozen Iranian assets and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.

Reports suggest the proposed 60-day understanding would guarantee unrestricted commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while requiring Iran to remove naval mines from the area within a fixed timeframe. In return, the United States is expected to gradually ease restrictions affecting Iranian ports and maritime trade.

The draft framework reportedly also includes an Iranian commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, though negotiations on the future of Tehran’s nuclear activities are expected to continue separately.

Despite signs of progress, Trump signalled caution earlier this week, saying he was “not satisfied” with Iran’s proposals and warning that military options remained on the table if diplomacy failed.

A ceasefire between the sides has been in place since early April, though both Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating the truce following fresh exchanges of fire on Thursday.