Trump's VP Pence ready for Iran deal talks, but Iran balks

Vice President Mike Pence was on standby in Washington, ready to fly to Switzerland for Iran deal negotiations. However, Iran canceled the talks at the last minute, reportedly to assess U.S. compliance with a framework agreement. A key sticking point for Iran was an end to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which the regime considers a "red line."

Despite pressure from the Trump administration, Israel had intensified airstrikes against Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was eventually agreed upon on Friday afternoon. However, the Netanyahu government remains hesitant to withdraw troops from the buffer zone and reserves the right to continue operations against the Shiite militia.

Iran experts view Israel's conflict with Hezbollah as a major obstacle to any potential deal. Few believe negotiations can conclude within the 60-day timeframe. Pence is familiar with the unpredictable nature of Iranian negotiators, having previously waited in Washington for talks mediated by Pakistan in Islamabad, which ultimately collapsed. Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were also involved in those discussions.

This Iran mission represents a critical test for the ambitious Vice President, who harbors aspirations of succeeding Trump. Vance, once a skeptic of war, has shifted his stance, now advocating for swift and precise military action. The timing of these negotiations is particularly inconvenient for Vance, who recently released his book "Communion," detailing his conversion to Catholicism and religious beliefs. He was scheduled for a press tour to promote the book, which chronicles his spiritual journey.