Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is promoting a fragile peace agreement with Iran and will lead negotiations in Switzerland. The deal's success could end Iran’s nuclear ambitions and boost the economy, but failure might make Vance the public face of an unpopular war. Allies describe the role as a high-stakes political gamble with potential domestic benefits if the war ends.

President Trump signed the U.S.–Iran memorandum at Versailles following a digital signing by Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf. The agreement, witnessed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, aims to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The collapse of US-Iran negotiations has raised concerns that senior Iranian leaders may flee to Russia, seeking refuge and continuing their insurgency. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes toppling Iran's regime is a realistic outcome. The exit strategy may be similar to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's inner circle.

President Trump claimed a peace deal with Iran would be signed in Islamabad, but Vice President Vance remained in Washington due to uncertainty over Tehran's response. Tensions escalate as Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, the ceasefire nears expiration, and military actions by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) disrupt negotiations. Internal divisions in Iran between factions like the IRGC and parliamentary leaders further complicate progress.

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf stated that negotiations with the U.S. will not proceed without a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets. The remarks highlight ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S. over unresolved issues.