Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Washington, Jun 19: US Vice President JD Vance has postponed his planned departure for technical negotiations with Iran, though the White House has stressed that preparations for the next phase of talks remain underway and both sides are committed to moving forward with the process.
In a statement issued late Thursday night, a White House spokesperson said the schedule for the upcoming negotiations has not yet been finalised, even though the American delegation is ready to travel at short notice.
“As the Vice President said during his press conference, plans for the technical talks are still being worked out, and the US delegation is prepared to depart at the earliest available opportunity,” the spokesperson said.
However, officials acknowledged that coordinating the negotiations has been challenging due to logistical complexities.
“As of now, the Vice President is not departing tonight,” the statement added.
The White House did not provide a revised travel schedule but reiterated that Washington remains committed to launching the discussions as soon as possible.
The delay comes as the United States and Iran prepare to transition from a recently signed political framework agreement to detailed negotiations covering implementation, verification measures and compliance procedures.
Earlier in the day, Vance told reporters that technical discussions are still expected to begin within days and will likely take place in Switzerland.
“We believe these technical negotiations will start sometime this weekend,” he said during a White House briefing.
Vance admitted that arranging the talks has proven difficult.
“Our plan is to go to Switzerland, but I don't know exactly when. That could change because Iran is not an easy country to coordinate departures from, and we're still working through the timing,” he said.
When asked whether he would travel immediately, the Vice President replied that it would depend on when Iranian officials are able to participate.
“We're trying to figure that out as we speak,” he said.
Vance also confirmed that he expects to lead the American delegation during the negotiations.
The upcoming discussions are expected to focus heavily on technical issues that both sides consider crucial to the success of the broader agreement.
Key topics will likely include inspection protocols, verification systems and the management of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.
“How do you destroy this highly enriched uranium? These are the detailed issues that require intensive technical discussions,” Vance said.
The US administration has repeatedly emphasised that the true test of the agreement will be its implementation rather than verbal commitments.
“We don't trust words. We trust action and we trust conduct,” Vance said, outlining Washington’s approach to the next stage of negotiations.
The talks are expected to take place within a 60-day implementation period established under the agreement.
“I would say the 60-day period officially started today,” Vance said.
Despite uncertainty over the Vice President's travel schedule, White House officials insisted that negotiations remain on course, with both Washington and Tehran continuing efforts to begin technical discussions at the earliest possible opportunity.