Vance says Iran deal timeline unclear as negotiations advance

• US says talks with Iran have made progress but no clear timeline for a deal.
• Major disputes remain over uranium enrichment and stockpile limits.

US Vice President JD Vance says it is difficult to set a precise date for when President Donald Trump could sign a memorandum of understanding with Iran, as negotiations continue but key issues remain unresolved.

Vance said the US has made significant progress in discussions with Tehran, noting ongoing exchanges over the draft framework of a potential agreement. He described the process as moving forward but still incomplete.

He added that Iran appears interested in reaching a deal, including steps that could lead to reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. Washington, he said, also sees value in such a move as part of broader regional de-escalation.

Despite the progress, Vance said major disagreements persist over uranium enrichment levels and Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

He stressed that the remaining issues are technical and complex, requiring more time before any final agreement can be reached.

According to Vance, it is still unclear when Trump might approve any final agreement, though conditions have improved compared with several weeks ago.

He said current efforts are focused on preparing the ground for more detailed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.

Vance suggested that a completed deal could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has been affected by regional tensions.

Negotiations remain ongoing, with officials saying further progress is needed before any formal signing is considered.