Vance says US-Iran talks still fragile, risks remain

Vice President JD Vance said Saturday that the U.S. has made progress in ongoing talks with Iran but warned that the conflict remains far from over. Speaking at a private event in Washington, Vance told supporters that negotiations are advancing but stressed that the administration is still in the "middle of the game" as it pushes Tehran for further concessions to end the war in Gaza and de-escalate broader regional tensions.

The talks come after months of indirect diplomacy through intermediaries, including Oman and Qatar, aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and halting Iran-backed militant attacks across the Middle East. Iran’s support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah has kept pressure on Israel and its allies, while U.S. military strikes in Yemen and Iraq have targeted Iranian proxies in response. Vance’s warning reflects the fragile nature of these negotiations, where small breakthroughs—such as prisoner exchanges or localized truces—are often followed by fresh violence or stalled implementation.

U.S. officials have privately acknowledged that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds the key to meaningful de-escalation. Iran has demanded a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to economic sanctions as conditions for broader stability. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted a full withdrawal from Gaza, complicating any potential agreement. The latest round of talks, held in Doha last week, reportedly made incremental progress on a hostage-prisoner swap but failed to address Iran’s long-term role in the region.

If a deal is reached, it could pave the way for a regional ceasefire and reduce the risk of a wider war involving Israel, Iran, and their proxies. But if talks collapse, the U.S. may face pressure to escalate military responses, risking further destabilization in the Middle East. Vance’s cautious tone underscores the high stakes: this is not a final act, but a critical moment in a dangerous game where missteps could lead to escalation—or breakthrough.