Vance: Iran deal could happen in a week or months from now — but “absolutely” before midterms

Vance: Iran Deal Timeline Uncertain, But Likely Before Midterms

Vance - During an interview with Robert Costa on "CBS Sunday Morning," Vice President JD Vance emphasized the U.S. administration’s progress toward a lasting agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program. While acknowledging the deal’s proximity, Vance highlighted the urgency of finalizing negotiations before the upcoming midterm elections, which are set for November. "We are nearing a deal that would resolve Iran’s nuclear ambitions permanently," he stated, adding that the agreement could materialize in "a week or months" but "absolutely" before the election date.

Long-Term Strategy for Iran Nuclear Deal

Vance described the current state of talks as critical, stressing that the deal would not only address immediate concerns but also ensure sustained security for future generations. "The goal of this policy is to create a framework that safeguards the U.S. economy and prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon," he explained. "I want my children to say, as adults, that Iran will never possess a nuclear arsenal." He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive agreement, noting that it would require consensus-building within Iran’s leadership structure.

"Right now, I feel that we are in a position to get a deal that is good for the United States economically and that really does deal with the Iranian nuclear program, not just now, not just while Donald Trump is president, but for the long term,"

Vance acknowledged that while the negotiations are advanced, there are still "some wood to chop" to finalize the terms. He described the process as iterative, requiring adjustments to meet U.S. priorities. "We’re not done yet," he said, "but we’re making steady progress." This sentiment aligns with broader discussions about balancing concessions with security guarantees, a central theme in the ongoing talks.

Trump’s Confidence in Negotiations

President Donald Trump, who has been a vocal advocate for a swift resolution, also expressed optimism about reaching an agreement. On Tuesday, he claimed that negotiations with Iran were in their "final throes," with a deal potentially achievable within "two or three days." However, Trump later tempered his remarks after learning of an incident involving an Apache helicopter that crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. The crash, he said, was a "provocative act" by Iranian forces, prompting him to vow a strong response.

The incident sparked debate about the timeline for the deal. Officials informed CBS News that two Apache crew members were rescued by a sea drone in a groundbreaking operation, marking the first time the U.S. military had deployed such technology for a rescue mission. The crew remained unharmed during the crash, which underscored the importance of maintaining military readiness during diplomatic talks.

"I think we’re going to know a lot before the midterm elections,"

Vance, when asked about the impact of the incident on negotiations, suggested that it might not derail the process but could influence the final terms. "There’s a dynamic between the urgency of the deal and the need to respond to immediate threats," he noted. This perspective reflects the delicate balance between diplomacy and defense, a recurring challenge in U.S.-Iran relations.

Vance’s View on Iranian Consensus

When pressed about the reliability of Iranian commitments, Vance countered skepticism by explaining the country’s political landscape. "Their system takes time to reach consensus," he said, "but that doesn’t mean they’re not serious about the negotiations." He argued that while Iran’s leaders may be slow to agree, their eventual approval would validate the deal’s permanence.

"What the president has said is: 'I don’t trust anybody. I don’t trust anybody. What I do trust is my own ability to negotiate. I trust our administration’s ability to negotiate, and I trust the enforcement provisions that we’re going to get in place,'"

Vance reiterated Trump’s stance, highlighting the administration’s confidence in its bargaining position. "The president’s approach is to remain focused on achieving the best possible outcome," he said, "without being swayed by short-term pressures." This philosophy, according to Vance, ensures that the deal includes robust verification mechanisms to prevent Iran from violating its commitments.

Implications of a Midterm Timeline

The possibility of a deal before November’s midterms has significant political implications. Vance argued that the timing would allow the administration to secure a key legislative achievement while maintaining public support. "Having a deal in place before the election would send a strong message about our ability to address foreign policy challenges," he said. It would also provide a foundation for future agreements, potentially reducing tensions in the region.

Despite the optimism, Vance admitted that uncertainties remain. "There are still variables that could extend the timeline, but the momentum is in our favor," he explained. These variables include Iran’s willingness to compromise and the alignment of economic incentives with security guarantees. Vance also noted that the deal would need to be approved by Congress, adding a layer of complexity to the process.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

The Iran nuclear deal has been a focal point of U.S. foreign policy since the 2015 agreement under President Barack Obama. That deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was criticized for not addressing Iran’s regional aggression or ensuring long-term compliance. Vance’s current approach aims to rectify these shortcomings by incorporating stricter sanctions and enhanced monitoring provisions.

While the deal’s specifics are still under discussion, Vance stressed that the core objective remains unchanged. "We want a framework that not only limits Iran’s nuclear capabilities but also deters its hostile actions," he said. This dual focus on prevention and deterrence reflects the administration’s broader strategy to address Iran’s influence in the Middle East and its alignment with groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Vance’s comments came amid growing pressure to resolve the crisis quickly. With the midterm elections approaching, the administration faces scrutiny over its ability to deliver tangible results. "The American people want to see progress, and we’re committed to delivering it," Vance said. He also highlighted the potential for bipartisan support, noting that the deal could be a unifying issue for voters.

Broader Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy

The success of the Iran deal could signal a shift in the U.S. strategy toward the Middle East. Vance argued that a lasting agreement would free up resources for other priorities, such as supporting allies in the region and addressing global challenges. "This deal would allow us to focus on more pressing issues, like energy security and trade," he said.

However, Vance acknowledged that the deal’s impact would depend on its implementation. "Even the best agreement needs to be enforced effectively," he emphasized. This includes mechanisms for sanctions enforcement and dispute resolution. "We’re not just making a deal; we’re creating a system that holds Iran accountable," he added.

As the negotiations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the deal meets U.S. strategic goals. Vance’s statements, combined with Trump’s earlier confidence, suggest that the administration is optimistic about achieving a resolution in the near future. The outcome of these talks could shape the U.S. approach to Iran for years to come, influencing everything from regional stability to global nuclear diplomacy.

Watch more of Vice President JD Vance’s interview on "CBS Sunday Morning" on June 14 at 9 a.m. on CBS stations and streaming on Paramount+. The discussion offers deeper insights into the administration’s vision for a comprehensive Iran deal and its potential to redefine U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.