Vance Says Iran Deal Could Transform Middle East and Block Nuclear Arms

Vice President J.D. Vance said the agreement to be signed with Iran on Friday in Geneva could, if Tehran honors its terms, “fundamentally change the Middle East for the next 50 years.” He said the deal would ensure Iran “will never have nuclear weapons,” including by preventing it from trying to pursue, acquire or buy one.

Speaking to Fox News, Vance said the Trump administration is still deciding who will attend the signing ceremony. “I definitely plan to be there, but the president himself might be there,” he said, adding that officials are still working out the logistics. He described the accord, announced after a peace agreement with Iran, as a major American achievement.

Vance said the deal would immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the American naval blockade on Iran. He added that it includes verification mechanisms and economic benefits that would take effect if Iran meets its obligations. He argued that the agreement could help end regional conflict, encourage investment and lower energy prices.

He also said U.S. officials were concerned about a possible Iranian reaction after Israeli strikes on Beirut on Thursday, but said Iranian officials assured Washington during talks that they would not respond and would proceed with the peace deal. “They promised us they would not respond to the Israelis and that they would sign this agreement and come to peace,” he said. Vance acknowledged remaining challenges, including Hezbollah threats in Lebanon and the difficulty of enforcing ceasefires, but called the accord “a very big win for the American people.”