"The deal with Iran is not yet complete because president Donald Trump truly wants an agreement where Iran has no nuclear weapons, does not sponsor armed groups, and the Iranian people can develop, prosper, and integrate into the global economy. Those are the conditions the president has put forth", US vice president JD Vance said at an event in Athens, Georgia, on 14/4.

Vance, who led negotiations with Iran in Pakistan last weekend, expressed confidence that Tehran also "wants to reach a deal", despite decades of distrust between the two nations.

"I feel very optimistic about the current situation. The president does not want a small deal; he aims for a big deal. We will continue negotiations and strive to achieve that. I will work towards this goal", Vance stated.

However, the US vice president also acknowledged that Washington and Tehran cannot resolve their lack of trust quickly.

US vice president JD Vance at an event in Athens, Georgia, on 14/4. *Photo: AFP*

The ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran will expire in one week. President Trump told the New York Post on 14/4 that a round of negotiations with Iran could take place in Pakistan "in two days".

Vice president Vance is expected to lead the US delegation if a second round of negotiations occurs. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will also participate.

The US and Iran negotiated for about 21 h in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on 11/4, with the host nation's participation. The two sides ultimately did not reach consensus on issues, including control over the Strait of Hormuz and whether Iran would continue uranium enrichment.

Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian stated on 12/4 that he is ready to accept a "balanced and fair deal" to ensure peace and security throughout the region. However, he believes the obstacle in negotiation efforts is the US's "double standards", emphasizing that a deal can only be achieved if Washington "adheres to international legal frameworks".

Meanwhile, Vance declared that whether negotiations continue depends on Iran. "We need them to make a commitment not to develop nuclear weapons", he said.

By Huyen Le (CNN, AFP, Reuters)