‘Economic Siege Continues’: JD Vance Says Iran Must Change Before Sanctions Relief

Last Updated:June 18, 2026, 21:29 IST

JD Vance says US will maintain a suffocating economic siege on Iran, linking any sanctions relief to full compliance with a new 60 day US Iran agreement and behavior change.

US Vice President JD Vance has said Washington will continue its “suffocating economic siege" on Iran unless Tehran fundamentally changes its behaviour, signalling that sanctions relief under the recently signed US-Iran agreement will depend on strict compliance.

Speaking after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the two countries, Vance said the United States remained committed to implementing its obligations under the first phase of the agreement but stressed that Iran would have to meet its commitments to receive any economic benefits.

“We are currently imposing a suffocating economic siege on Iran and will not end it unless it fundamentally changes its behavior," Vance said.

60-Day Clock Begins

The Vice President said the 60-day timeline outlined in the memorandum of understanding had officially begun.

“The 60-day period stipulated in the memorandum of understanding with Iran began today," Vance said, referring to the roadmap agreed upon by Washington and Tehran to negotiate a final deal.

Under the agreement, both sides are expected to work toward a comprehensive settlement covering sanctions relief, regional security, diplomatic relations and Iran’s nuclear programme.

Economic Benefits Linked To Compliance

Vance made it clear that any easing of economic pressure would depend on Iran’s adherence to the terms of the agreement.

“The only way for Iranians to gain any economic benefits is full compliance with what we agree upon and changing their behavior," he said.

He added that Iran’s economy remained under significant strain and suggested that reintegration into the global economy would require broader changes from the Iranian leadership.

“Iran’s economy is in a very difficult position and it needs to change its behavior in order to reintegrate into the global economy," Vance said.

First Phase Of Agreement Underway

Despite the tough rhetoric, Vance said the United States would honour its commitments under the first phase of the accord.

“We are committed to implementing our side of the first phase of the agreement," he said.

The comments underscore Washington’s effort to balance diplomacy with continued economic pressure as both countries move into the implementation phase of the deal.

The agreement, signed after months of negotiations, has been presented as a pathway to ending years of hostility between the United States and Iran. However, Vance’s remarks indicate that significant hurdles remain before Tehran can secure broader sanctions relief and economic normalisation.

News world ‘Economic Siege Continues’: JD Vance Says Iran Must Change Before Sanctions Relief

Read More