U.S. and Iran Reach Principle for Direct Military Hotline, Vance Says

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said one of the main breakthroughs in the Switzerland talks between Washington and Tehran was an agreement in principle to create a direct military communication channel to help prevent future escalation in the region.

According to Vance, Iran agreed to place a Revolutionary Guard representative in Doha, where that envoy would stay in contact with a U.S. Central Command, CENTCOM, representative. The channel would be used to handle crises, friction, and incidents that could otherwise spiral into a wider confrontation.

Vance also said the United Arab Emirates is holding unprecedented talks with Iran, including with Revolutionary Guard figures, about economic incentives that could support regional efforts to reduce tensions. At the same time, he stressed that "Israel and every country in the region has the right to self-defense," while arguing that steps must still be taken to lower the risk of renewed escalation.

The Switzerland round was described in Washington as the basis for further contacts with Tehran. U.S. reports said Vance characterized the talks as having laid "a good foundation" for a final agreement, with Qatar and Pakistan playing a central mediating role.