‘Red Lines Are Clear': JD Vance Says US–Iran Talks Show Limited Progress, Military Option Open

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 05:19 IST

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a “new window has opened” for a possible agreement.

The United States and Iran remain divided following a fresh round of nuclear talks in Geneva as Vice President JD Vance said that Tehran has not yet agreed to key conditions set by US President Donald Trump for a diplomatic breakthrough.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Vance described the negotiations as producing mixed results. He said, “In some ways, it went well; they agreed to meet afterwards. But in other ways, it was very clear that the President has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through."

The comments come as tensions persist over Iran’s nuclear programme with Trump repeatedly warning that military action remains an option if Tehran refuses to accept strict limits.

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Despite the warnings, Vance said Washington still prefers diplomacy.

“We would very much like, as the President has said, to resolve this through a conversation in a diplomatic negotiation, but the President has all options on the table," he said, adding that Trump would ultimately decide how long to continue negotiations.

What Iran Said On Geneva Talks

Iran, however, signalled cautious optimism. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a “new window has opened" for a possible agreement.

“We are hopeful that negotiations will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution which can serve the interests of relevant parties and the broader region," he said. At the same time, Araghchi warned that Iran was prepared to defend itself and that any attack would have wider consequences.

The latest indirect talks were mediated by Oman, a longtime regional intermediary. The US delegation was led by envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner. The negotiations come at a sensitive moment, with Trump framing Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a central security concern and warning of consequences if no agreement is reached.

News world ‘Red Lines Are Clear': JD Vance Says US–Iran Talks Show Limited Progress, Military Option Open

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