Vance: U.S. Seeks "New Chapter" With Iran While Pushing for Long-Term Regional Peace

Speaking during high-level negotiations with Iran in Lucerne, Switzerland, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration is seeking a lasting diplomatic breakthrough that could reshape relations with Iran if Tehran abandons its nuclear ambitions and its role in destabilizing the Middle East. Vance also highlighted ongoing efforts to preserve the ceasefire in Lebanon and expressed optimism about regional stability.

High-Level Talks in Switzerland

U.S. Vice President JD Vance joined Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Sunday as the leaders addressed the media during quadrilateral negotiations with Iran in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Vance said the recent memorandum of understanding marked significant progress but stressed that the larger question is whether the parties can fundamentally change relations in the Middle East.

"Can we turn over a new leaf? Can we change relations in the Middle East permanently? Or do we go back to doing things the old way?" Vance said.

Trump Administration's Goals

The Vice President credited President Donald Trump for pursuing a long-term vision of regional stability and thanked Qatar and Pakistan for their roles as mediators.

According to Vance, Washington's objective is to encourage diplomacy while pressing Iran to end policies that have fueled instability throughout the region.

Vance said the United States is prepared to fundamentally improve relations with Iran if its leadership permanently abandons nuclear weapons ambitions and stops acting as a source of regional instability.

He described the current negotiations as historically significant, saying direct engagement between senior American and Iranian officials has reached an unprecedented level.

Comments on Lebanon

Responding to questions about Israel's military operations in southern Lebanon, Vance said meaningful progress has been made in maintaining the ceasefire and reducing tensions.

He acknowledged that negotiations remain challenging but expressed confidence that continued cooperation with regional partners, including Israel, Qatar, and Pakistan, can strengthen regional security.

"The President has committed us to see a full regional ceasefire... We're all working for regional peace," Vance said.

Regional Stability Remains the Objective

When asked about allegations regarding Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, Vance focused on the administration's broader diplomatic efforts, saying the United States remains committed to ending conflicts through negotiations while advancing a more stable and secure Middle East.