“The US has achieved its objectives in Iran, Vice President J.D. Vance has claimed, adding Washington could begin winding down its military operation against the Islamic Republic.”

“In a Fox News interview on Monday, after US negotiators left talks in Pakistan without securing an agreement to end the conflict, Vance said Washington had made “a lot of progress” in the negotiations, adding that “the ball is in Iran’s court” on whether to move forward.”

“According to Vance the talks at the weekend in Islamabad “did make some progress,” particularly on US demands for the removal of nuclear material from Iran and measures to prevent future uranium enrichment.”

“He suggested that Iranian negotiators were “unable to cut a deal” without sign-off from other authorities and returned to Tehran to seek approval for US terms.”

“The comments came hours after the US began blocking ships at Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, a move President Donald Trump said was meant to force Tehran back to talks and reopen the vital oil artery, the disruption of which has sent energy prices skyrocketing.”

“Meanwhile, Tehran has signaled doubt, insisting that Washington should accept its terms or face a stalemate, Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told RT on Sunday.”

“He added that the US needs a deal “more than we do,” and that many Iranians are unhappy that Tehran even entered into negotiations.”

“Tehran remains deeply skeptical of Washington’s intentions, even after ceasefire-related preconditions were discussed, Azizi said.”