US 'In Middle of Game' With Iran, Says VP Vance as Talks Show Progress
VP Vance says US-Iran talks have advanced, with Tehran assuring Gulf oil and gas flows stay at pre-conflict levels.
The United States remains in the "middle of the game" regarding Iran, Vice President JD Vance said on Saturday, indicating that recent diplomatic exchanges have yielded some forward movement.
In an interview with Fox News, Vance noted that talks with Tehran had made progress over the past few days, though he stopped short of declaring a breakthrough. The Vice President said Washington is now assessing whether Iran is prepared to make the long-term changes necessary for a more stable bilateral relationship.
Should Tehran fall short of that commitment, Vance warned, the US would continue its pressure campaign and work to extract as much oil and gas from the Middle East as possible.
On energy markets, Vance said the US expects Gulf oil and gas supplies to remain at pre-conflict levels, adding that Iran has given assurances to that effect.
The Vice President also addressed maritime security, saying the US is developing a traffic management scheme — including demining operations — to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping in the region. He stressed that Washington is seeking a firm commitment from Iran not to fire on commercial vessels.
Vance's remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, where shipping lanes have faced disruption risks in recent months. The comments suggest Washington is keeping both diplomatic and coercive options open as it navigates the standoff.