Vance: It will take 'some time' to reach agreement with Iran

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has indicated that negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with Iran will be a protracted and challenging process. Vance described the Iranian negotiating team as "extraordinarily difficult people" operating within a "divided system," suggesting that reaching a resolution will take "some time."

These remarks follow earlier signals from sources like Axios that an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz was imminent. However, the U.S. now acknowledges that the talks are proving more complex than anticipated. Vance's comments also appear to reference internal Iranian decision-making processes, particularly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged difficulties in communicating with the country's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since the conflict began and is rumored to be injured.

“

Iran is extraordinarily difficult people, with a divided system.

From the Iranian side, the narrative has differed, with officials denying direct talks with the U.S. and disputing the closeness of a deal. Instead, Iran has stated that negotiations are proceeding with neighboring Oman. On Wednesday, Iran announced that an agreement with Oman was nearing completion, covering a shipping route and joint management of the waterway. Iran has controlled the vital Strait of Hormuz since the conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, threatening or attacking vessels that traverse routes it deems unauthorized.

Despite the U.S. acknowledging the complexity, President Donald Trump and his ministers had previously suggested that talks were ongoing and close to an agreement. The differing accounts highlight the intricate diplomatic landscape and the challenges in achieving a unified outcome between the involved parties.

“

It is currently very difficult to communicate with the Ayatollah.