JD Vance on Iran trip: ‘Our plan is to go to Switzerland… I don’t know exactly when’ | Today’s news
US Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday (June 18th) that he may delay a planned trip to Switzerland for the signing ceremony of the Iran-US deal, adding new uncertainty to the implementation of a deal aimed at ending the conflict.
“Our plan is to go to Switzerland. I don’t know exactly when,” Vance told reporters at the White House, adding, “I’m guessing this weekend, but I’m not sure.”
The visit was to help formally launch the next phase of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Trump says deal signed, calls it shield from ‘economic disaster’
President Donald Trump said the deal had already been signed and was designed to cushion the economic impact of the war, which has sent oil prices soaring and rattled markets.
Trump said the deal would prevent “economic disaster” in the United States as energy prices begin to stabilize under the truce framework.
Pakistan is also delaying participation in the signing ceremony
Pakistan reportedly postponed a planned visit by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior officials to Switzerland, where Islamabad was expected to host parts of the signing ceremony.
Officials said the ceremonial element lost its urgency after the deal had already been signed.
The 60-day deadline for nuclear negotiations begins
Vance confirmed that a 60-day deadline for broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program has now begun.
“The 60-day clock … has started ticking,” he said, referring to the memorandum of understanding signed earlier in the week.
Talks are expected to focus on limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment, verification mechanisms and long-term compliance measures.
‘International waterways should be toll-free’: Vance on Hormuz
Addressing concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, Vance rejected the idea that Iran would impose transit fees on shipping through the strategic waterway.
“We believe international waterways should be toll-free,” he said, adding that regional countries would determine the broader security framework.
He warned that unless the strait is fully opened, “there will be no final deal”.
Oil flows will rebound as the blockage eases
Vance said more than 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz in a single night, signaling a strong recovery in global energy flows after months of disruption.
He added that the easing of the US naval blockade against Iran was part of the early implementation phase of the deal.
“We also honor our end of the early part of the agreement on the military side,” he said.
The US military lifted the blockade
The US military has begun allowing sea traffic to and from Iranian ports as part of the cease-fire agreement, while maintaining a monitoring presence in the region.
Officials said US warships would remain nearby to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement.
The Iran deal is designed as a behavior-based enforcement model
Vance defended the deal amid criticism that it was too favorable to Tehran, saying it would depend on compliance rather than assurances.
He said the goal of the arrangement was to “force Iran to change its behavior,” emphasizing verification before trust.
Nuclear Security and Uranium Stockpile Supervision
Under the interim framework, Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium is expected to be diluted under international supervision, with inspectors tasked with verifying compliance.
The agreement also reiterates that Iran will not continue to develop nuclear weapons, although several technical details remain unresolved.
Read also | “Different view” but Khamenei supports US deal, signals personal talks with US
Implementation concerns and diplomatic coordination
Vance dismissed criticism that communication around the deal was inconsistent, saying, “I don’t think our public messaging has been chaotic.”
However, the possible delay of the Swiss ceremony has added to questions about the pace and coordination of the implementation of the agreement.
The broader geopolitical stakes remain unresolved
The agreement includes a 60-day negotiating window to reach a more comprehensive settlement involving nuclear restrictions and regional security measures.
While the cease-fire reduced immediate tensions and stabilized oil markets, key issues — including Iran’s enrichment capacity and long-term verification mechanisms — remain open for negotiation.
Read also | ‘The cost of breaking the deal will now be higher’: Iran after Trump signs US-Iran MOU
