(Al Arabiya.net): US Vice President J.D. Vance announced yesterday that the 60-day period of negotiations with Iran has officially begun, indicating that Washington is dealing with the Iranian file according to a completely different approach from the agreement reached during the era of former President Barack Obama.
Vance added to reporters during a briefing at the White House that Iran will not possess missiles within the framework of the final agreement, calling on Tehran to implement its pledge to get rid of its uranium stockpile.
The US Vice President also clarified that the Persian translation of the memorandum of understanding matches the English version, noting that his visit to Switzerland depends on the arrival of the Iranian delegation, adding: “It may be on Sunday.”
Vance stressed that if Iran does not change its behavior, the United States will resort to “other methods,” stressing that his country “will win in all cases.”
While he stressed that the Iranians are aware of the amount of pressure and cards that the United States has in this file, he added: “We do not trust words, so we will not reward Iran with anything before it adheres to its pledges.”
He stressed that Tehran will not receive any money from the United States.
As for the Strait of Hormuz, the US Vice President said: The final negotiations will set the conditions for after sixty days.
He continued: “The naval blockade was useful, and it was lifted in exchange for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.”
Vance also clarified that sanctions on Iran could be temporarily lifted without Congress’ approval, adding: “We informed Congress of developments with Iran unofficially.”
The US Vice President threatened to reimpose sanctions against Iran “at any time if it does not behave.”
In addition, Vance indicated that Iran did not fire on any ship during Wednesday night, an indication of the Iranians’ respect for the agreement.
Vance added that Iran must provide the “required performance” to obtain economic benefits, stressing the need for Tehran to choose “to act in the right way,” as he put it.
He also made it clear that the only way through which Iran can obtain money or economic gains is through its commitment and changing its behavior.
Regarding Lebanon, the US Vice President said: Attacks on civilians in Beirut are unacceptable, adding: “Any attack by Hezbollah against Israel is unacceptable, regardless of its scope.”
He also continued: “We talk to the Israelis constantly and President Trump has been clear with them,” noting that Israel must respect the peace process between Tehran and Washington.
He added: “We want to empower the Lebanese government to reduce Hezbollah’s threats.”
In a related context, Vance pointed out that the flow of about 12.5 million barrels of oil was recorded last night, in a development he described as important in energy markets.
He also explained that Washington allowed at least 12 ships to bypass the American blockade after the understanding with Tehran.
It is noteworthy that global oil prices declined after US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers and other ships.
The war led to a significant rise in energy prices, after Iranian measures included closing the vital waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies usually pass.
