Vance says Iran war nearing end, warns final outcome depends on Tehran
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: US Vice President JD Vance said the ongoing conflict with Iran could conclude “very shortly,” but stressed that the outcome depends on decisions taken by Tehran.
Addressing a news conference, Vance said the nature of the war’s conclusion “is ultimately up to the Iranians,” indicating that diplomatic efforts remain fluid.
Vance says deadline set for negotiations
Vance revealed that Donald Trump has set a deadline of roughly 12 hours for progress, with intense negotiations expected within that window.
“We’re going to find out,” Vance said, adding that discussions are focused on what a post-conflict scenario would look like. He expressed hope for a “good resolution” as talks continue.
According to Vance, negotiations are now centered on shaping the aftermath of the conflict, suggesting that both sides are weighing terms beyond an immediate ceasefire.
The remarks point to a critical phase in diplomacy, with uncertainty still surrounding how and when the war will formally end.
Backing Orbán ahead of elections
Speaking during a visit to Hungary, Vance also voiced support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of upcoming elections.
He said his visit was partly aimed at signaling support, while acknowledging that Hungarian voters would ultimately decide their leadership. Vance aimed at officials in European Union institutions in Brussels, accusing them of undermining Hungary due to disagreements with its leadership.
He praised Orbán as a leader who has “stood up for the people of Hungary,” reinforcing political alignment between Budapest and Washington under the current US administration.
There were murmurs and light laughter in the room when JD Vance, pressed for updates on Donald Trump’s Iran deadline, pulled out his cellphone and hinted at incoming information.
“Well, you asked if there’s new information,” he told reporters in Budapest. “Unless I have a text message from Steve, oh, I do have a text message from Steve Witkoff. Wouldn’t you like to know what it says? But I need to read it first before I talk about it.”
Despite a reporter urging him to share the message, Vance declined. Responding to a question on recent US strikes on Kharg Island, he said he did not view the attacks as signalling any shift in strategy or a departure from the president’s approach.
