U.S., Iran Make Progress in Nuclear Talks as Vance Repeats Zero-Weapons Goal
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 19
U.S., Iran Make Progress in Nuclear Talks as Vance Repeats Zero-Weapons Goal
5 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 19
JD Vance said the United States and Iran have made "a lot of progress" in talks, adding that both sides do not want a return to military action.
The vice president said Trump had just reiterated the U.S. bottom line: Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon or rebuild that capacity in the years ahead.
Vance argued an Iranian bomb could trigger wider proliferation across the Gulf and beyond, framing the talks as an effort to keep the number of nuclear-armed states small.
He also said transferring Iran's enriched uranium to Russia is not part of the current U.S. plan and has not been raised by Tehran.
The negotiations matter beyond the nuclear file because Trump is under pressure to secure an accord that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and commodity flows.
With Iran now controlling the Strait of Hormuz, can a nuclear deal be reached without major U.S. concessions?
After years of lost IAEA access, how can any new nuclear agreement with Iran be reliably verified?
Fragile Peace in the 2026 US-Iran Conflict: Nuclear Negotiations, Economic Crisis, and the Looming Threat of Escalation
Overview
A fragile ceasefire, initiated on April 15, 2026, has mostly held for over a month, preventing a return to widespread conflict. Despite this, there have been sporadic violations along border regions, with both sides accusing each other of minor incursions and provocations. The UN-backed monitoring mission confirmed 12 minor violations, mainly involving unauthorized troop movements and warning shots. In response, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2789, urging strict adherence to the ceasefire and constructive engagement in peace talks. However, tensions remain high, especially in disputed border areas, highlighting the ongoing instability despite diplomatic efforts.