Iran talks ‘going well’ in Doha: Vance

US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday said negotiations with Iran in Doha were ‘going well’, while warning that President Donald Trump would not hesitate to authorise military action again if Tehran restarted its nuclear programme or resumed attacks on commercial shipping.

Speaking to reporters before departing aboard Air Force Two after visiting Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, Vance said representatives from the United States, Iran, Qatar and other stakeholders were discussing the next phase of diplomacy following recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

Diplomacy backed by military deterrence

“Right now the negotiators are sitting down with the Iranians, with the Qataris and with others in Doha. Right now the talks are going well. It's still pretty early, but talks are going well,” Vance said.

He said the immediate priority was to ensure the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping through the Gulf, adding that oil prices had eased to around $68 per barrel while fuel prices were beginning to decline.

Vance said the Trump administration remained committed to pursuing negotiations but stressed that military options would remain available if Iran reversed course.

"What I can commit to is the President's not going to send our military back in unless he has to, unless there's a clearly defined purpose for it," he said.

"If they try to rebuild their nuclear programme, if they try to start shooting at commercial vessels again, that's going to change our calculus."

US sees momentum for diplomacy

According to Vance, there are signs that sections of Iran's leadership favour improving ties with the United States, Europe and Gulf nations.

"In the Iranian system, you've got people who actually recognise the last 47 years of their government has been a mistake... and then you've got a few people who are still kind of attached to the old ways," he said.

He added that Washington believed there was growing momentum among those seeking a new approach and would continue giving diplomacy "as much of a chance to succeed as possible."

However, Vance reiterated that any attempt by Iran to rebuild its nuclear programme, block international inspections or threaten commercial shipping would prompt a different US response.

Talks follow recent US strikes

The Doha negotiations come after President Trump ordered military strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities following heightened tensions in the Gulf. Since then, the administration has shifted its focus towards diplomacy, with Qatar playing a key role in facilitating contacts between Washington and Tehran.

The talks are part of wider international efforts to reduce regional tensions, safeguard maritime trade routes and prevent further escalation over Iran's nuclear programme.

Separately, Vance declined to speculate about the 2028 US presidential election, saying his priority was delivering results for Americans. He also criticised a recent Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship, saying the administration would seek to address what he described as a judicial error.