JD Vance has said that the Iranian delegation involved in discussions in Pakistan did not have the authority to finalize any agreement, arguing that key decisions remained dependent on higher political approval from Tehran.
According to his remarks, the delegation was “unable to cut a deal” and had to return for clearance from senior leadership, including potentially the Supreme Leader of Iran. He suggested this structural limitation became a major obstacle in the negotiations and contributed to the breakdown in progress.
Vance stated that this inability to conclude an agreement was one of the reasons the process stalled, saying the United States ultimately withdrew after assessing that the negotiating team lacked decision-making power. He emphasized that Washington had already presented its position clearly, including defined red lines.
He further noted that the United States remains open to future dialogue, reiterating that President Donald Trump would prefer Iran to function as a “normal country,” but insisted that any further movement depends on Tehran’s response.
Vance concluded that responsibility for the next step lies with Iran, stating, “the ball is in the Iranian court.”
