The vice president, who was speaking at an event in Hungary, said the deal that the U.S. struck with Iran was being misrepresented within Iran, though he didn’t offer details beyond saying the agreement included a ceasefire, plans to negotiate and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, Associated Press reports.
“You have people who are lying about even the fragile truce that we’ve already struck,” Vance said.
Vance did not address speculation about whether he might travel to Pakistan to personally participate in talks with Iran. Vance’s office has not comment.
Vance said Trump told U.S. representatives who will be negotiating with Iran to do so in “good faith” but warned Trump is “impatient to make progress.”
The U.S. is prepared to use “extraordinary economic leverage,” but Trump has instructed us “not to use those tools.”
“He’s told us to come to the negotiating table. But if the Iranians don’t do the exact same thing, they’re going to find out that the president of the United States is not one to mess around,” Vance said.
Vance said of Iran: “I think if they negotiate in good faith, we will be able to find a deal. That’s a big if. And ultimately, it’s up to the Iranians how they negotiate. I hope they make the right decision.”