Praise for the US-Iran Deal, Vice President Vance: We Have Taken a Big Step

JAKARTA - Vice President JD Vance on Sunday called the deal reached with Iran a "big moment for the United States," although he said there was still work to be done.

"I'm not going to say that everyone will sing Kumbaya tomorrow," Vance said on Fox News, CNN reported (15/6).

"It will take a little time to learn the ways of peace, but I think we have taken a big step tonight," he said.

As previously reported, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday, "The Peace Deal between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been reached."

"Both sides have declared an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon," Prime Minister Sharif said in a social media post on Sunday night.

In turn, President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a peace deal with Iran had been reached and the United States would end its naval blockade of the country, marking the most significant development in months of negotiations.

"The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!" President Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran for Legal and International Affairs said that the text of the memorandum of understanding with the United States had been completed and would be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland.

Vice President Vance said the deal was built around what he described as three core elements. The first "is the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and of course, the lifting of the naval blockade that we have imposed on Iran, along with it."

He said the second element is the guarantee that Iran will never pursue, acquire, or buy nuclear weapons. The third element, he said, is compliance.

"This will only happen, to be clear, if Iran keeps its promises," Vance said.

Vice President Vance also emphasized the positive economic implications for US consumers, who have been hit by high gasoline prices for months.

"I think my main message to the American people is 'thank you.' Because of your patience, I think we have solved a problem that has haunted this country for decades," he said.

He said President Trump is "certainly very concerned about" high gas prices, "but what we're going to do is lower the cost of energy, not just now but for the long term."

He also said he plans to attend the official signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, with the possibility that President Trump will also be present.