'We're still working on it...': JD Vance says US not there yet on Iran, but close

The Economic TimesAbout 4 min readMay 29, 2026Watch original
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Key Concepts

  • Strait of Hormuz: A critical maritime chokepoint for global oil transit.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation: The primary U.S. objective to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
  • Operation Epic Fury: A U.S. military initiative aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
  • Third-Country National Agreements: Diplomatic arrangements allowing the U.S. to deport individuals seeking asylum or entry to safe intermediary countries.
  • GAESA: A Cuban state-run conglomerate that controls approximately 70% of the Cuban economy.
  • Energy Independence: The U.S. status as a dominant global oil producer, reportedly doubling the combined output of Russia and Saudi Arabia.

1. Iran: Diplomatic Negotiations and Ceasefire

The administration is currently engaged in high-level negotiations with Iran, characterized by a "back and forth" process regarding nuclear enrichment and the status of highly enriched stockpiles.

  • Proposed Agreement: A 60-day ceasefire extension is being discussed to facilitate formal negotiations.
  • Key Objectives: The U.S. seeks to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and unrestricted, while simultaneously dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.
  • Verification: Officials emphasized that the U.S. does not rely on faith; they utilize rigorous verification processes to ensure Iran meets its obligations.
  • Status: While progress is noted, the final endorsement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) remains "TBD" (To Be Determined).

2. Military and Economic Pressure on Iran

President Trump and his officials argue that Iran is negotiating from a position of extreme weakness due to U.S. military and economic actions.

  • Economic Collapse: Iran is described as suffering from 250% inflation and a broken economic system, which officials claim is forcing them to the negotiating table.
  • Military Status: The administration asserts that Iran’s conventional military capabilities—specifically its navy and air force—have been "decimated."
  • Strategic Stance: The President stated, "We will be [satisfied with a deal] or we’ll have to just finish the job," emphasizing that the U.S. maintains the option of military force if diplomacy fails.

3. Border Security and Immigration

The administration highlighted a shift in immigration enforcement through the use of Third-Country National Agreements.

  • Methodology: The U.S. has secured agreements with 20 countries to accept individuals who are in the U.S. unlawfully and refuse to return to their country of origin.
  • Outcome: Officials noted that the threat of being sent to a third country often incentivizes individuals to voluntarily return to their home countries, thereby facilitating the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.

4. Global Health and Regional Stability

  • Ebola Containment: The administration identified the containment of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a top national security priority. Agencies including the CDC and HHS are surging assistance to prevent the virus from entering the United States.
  • Armenia and Azerbaijan: The administration touted a peace deal between the two nations, leading to the "Trump route for prosperity" in Armenia and the signing of a critical minerals MOU.
  • Venezuela and Cuba:
    • Venezuela: The U.S. is overseeing a transition process where Venezuelan oil is sold at market rates, with proceeds monitored by the Treasury and audited by KPMG to ensure funds benefit the Venezuelan people rather than being stolen.
    • Cuba: The administration characterized the Cuban government as "incompetent communists" and identified the state-run company GAESA as a barrier to the welfare of the Cuban people.

Notable Quotes

  • President Trump: "We’re producing right now more oil by double than Russia and Saudi Arabia combined. There’s never been anything like that."
  • Administration Official: "The number one priority of our foreign policy is to protect the American people."
  • Administration Official: "Iran’s never going to have a nuclear weapon... and they most certainly will not have one as long as you’re president of the United States."

Synthesis and Conclusion

The administration’s current foreign policy is defined by a "peace through strength" approach, leveraging overwhelming U.S. energy dominance and military superiority to force adversaries like Iran into negotiations. The strategy relies on a combination of economic strangulation (sanctions/inflation) and diplomatic pressure, while maintaining a "Plan B" of military intervention. Domestically, the administration is focused on strict border enforcement via third-party agreements and the protection of the homeland from external health threats like Ebola. The overarching theme is the prioritization of American national security and economic interests over traditional diplomatic norms.

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