US-Iran Technical Talks Underway as Vance Dismisses Tehran's Denials as 'Negotiating Tactic'

WASHINGTON, July 1: US Vice President JD Vance said technical talks between Washington and Tehran are moving forward despite Iran's public denial of direct negotiations, describing Tehran's stance as a "Persian negotiating tactic."

Speaking on The Michael Knowles Show, Vance said technical discussions scheduled for Tuesday were proceeding as planned, adding that Iran's public messaging contradicted its acknowledgment of ongoing discussions related to a potential peace agreement.

Vance also defended President Donald Trump's Iran strategy, saying the administration was prepared to use military force only when it served a clear objective. He criticized those advocating broader military action without a defined end goal.

In a separate interview with Fox News, Vance stressed that Washington was judging Iran by its actions rather than its rhetoric. He said the US had observed both positive and negative signals from Tehran and remained committed to pursuing diplomacy while keeping other options available if negotiations failed.

The comments came as White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Doha after Trump said Iran had requested a meeting in the Qatari capital.

Iran has denied that direct talks with the United States are scheduled, saying Wednesday's discussions in Doha will instead focus on implementing provisions of the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), including the release of Iran's frozen assets, through Qatari mediation.

According to a senior US official, Witkoff and Kushner are expected to meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and other mediators to advance regional dialogue on the agreement.

The US-Iran MoU, brokered by Pakistan and effective since June 18, outlines a framework for ending hostilities, easing sanctions, addressing Iran's nuclear programme, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and pursuing broader regional security arrangements.