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Vance: Iran is a difficult counterpart; final deal will benefit the US
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Conflict & Security

Vance: Iran is a difficult counterpart; final deal will benefit the US

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • U.S. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged difficulties in negotiations with Iran but expressed confidence in reaching a favorable agreement for the U.S.
  • Vance described the negotiation process as having "one step forward, two steps back" and attributed the complexity to internal divisions within Iran.
  • He characterized Iranian negotiators as "very difficult people" due to the country's fragmented political system, where those seeking peace coexist with extremists favoring continued conflict.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged the challenging nature of negotiations with Iran, admitting that the process is not straightforward. Despite the complexities, Vance remains optimistic that the Trump administration can secure an agreement ultimately beneficial to the United States.

Sometimes we take one step forward and two steps back, and sometimes three steps forward and one step back.

โ€” JD VanceVice President Vance describing the progress of negotiations with Iran.

Speaking on Fox News, Vance described the talks as a stop-and-go process. "Sometimes we take one step forward and two steps back, and sometimes three steps forward and one step back," he stated. He recognized that the public might perceive a lack of consistent progress, saying, "I fully understand that the American people might look at the situation and think that it seems like there is progress, and then it seems like there isn't."

A significant factor complicating the negotiations, according to Vance, is the internal discord within Iran. He referred to the Iranian side as "very difficult people," explaining that Iran's political system is divided. This division, he noted, allows for the coexistence of individuals who desire an end to the conflict and extremists who wish to prolong it.

I fully understand that the American people might look at the situation and think that it seems like there is progress, and then it seems like there isn't.

โ€” JD VanceVice President Vance acknowledging public perception of the negotiation's pace.

"Our mission is to get the best outcome out of this situation," Vance asserted. He emphasized that achieving this outcome is crucial not only for the American people but also for navigating the complex geopolitical landscape. The vice president's remarks highlight the administration's strategy of engaging in diplomacy while acknowledging the significant hurdles presented by Iran's internal dynamics.

Our mission is to get the best outcome out of this situation.

โ€” JD VanceVice President Vance on the objective of the U.S. in the Iran talks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.