Trump Halts Iran Talks, Redirects Vance to Combat Domestic Crime

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, November 12, that he has ordered Vice President J.D. Vance to cease negotiations with Iran and instead focus on combating crime and corruption in cities and states governed by Democrats. Trump stated on Truth Social that the U.S. does not need a deal with Iran, asserting that the U.S. controls the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran possesses hundreds of billions of dollars. Vance had been more actively engaged with Iran than Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are currently mediating between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump had previously indicated openness to Vance's return to negotiations with Tehran. Rezaei, however, dismissed direct talks with the U.S. as "imaginary negotiations" and insisted Iran would not export any enriched nuclear material. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed a lack of progress in negotiations, deeming Tehran's demands unacceptable to Washington. Rubio and new White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller advocate for continued pressure on Iran until concessions are made.

Explaining Vance's new assignment, Trump accused the administrations of states like Minnesota, California, and Illinois of corruption and mismanagement, claiming that billions of dollars are stolen monthly, which he believes could balance the U.S. budget if curbed. Earlier, after meeting with Qatar's prime minister, Trump suggested a military operation was not currently needed, citing progress toward conflict resolution and a potential security solution for Israel. He also stated on CBS's "60 Minutes" that he saw no reason to resume strikes, though he would again decide to start a war to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

According to the Financial Times, Arab leaders fear Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring Trump to restart military action. Ynet reported a tense phone call between Netanyahu and Trump regarding Iran amidst disagreements over resuming the war, though Netanyahu's office denied reports of shouting. The U.S. has maintained a naval blockade on Iran for months, with CENTCOM estimating it has prevented billions of dollars in oil exports. On November 7, 2026, Washington launched Operation "Iron Gate" to impede arms and goods transport across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea. Tehran's demands for negotiations beyond the Strait of Hormuz include ending hostilities, lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, ending the naval blockade, war reparations, U.S. troop withdrawal, and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, though this list is not officially published and varies.