U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that the U.S. and Iran have not yet finalized a deal [1].
The status of these negotiations is critical to regional stability, as the two nations attempt to resolve tensions and manage shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C., on May 28, 2026 [1], Vance said that while a formal agreement is not yet in place, the parties are nearing a resolution. "Not there yet, but very close," Vance said [2].
According to Vance, the delay stems from specific technicalities in the text of the agreement. He said that a "couple of language points" are still being discussed, and that it remains to be determined whether President Donald Trump will sign off on the current terms [3].
Despite the lack of a final signature, Vance expressed optimism regarding the trajectory of the talks. "Hopefully, we'll continue to make progress," he said [2].
Reports on the status of the deal have been inconsistent. While some outlets reported that an agreement to extend a ceasefire and lift shipping restrictions had already been reached on May 28 [4], the vice president's remarks clarify that the process is not complete. The administration's position suggests that a tentative framework may exist, but it lacks the final legal and executive approval required to be official [3].
Because the deal requires a presidential signature, the final outcome depends on whether the current language meets the specific requirements of the Trump administration. Until that sign-off occurs, the diplomatic status of the U.S.-Iran relationship remains in a state of transition [3].
“"Not there yet, but very close,"”
The discrepancy between early reports of a ceasefire extension and the Vice President's caution highlights the volatility of high-stakes diplomacy. By emphasizing 'language points' and the need for presidential approval, the administration is managing expectations and maintaining leverage, ensuring that no agreement is viewed as final until the U.S. executive branch has total control over the terms.
