U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that the newly signed U.S.–Iran peace agreement will be judged by concrete actions rather than diplomatic promises.
The warning establishes a strict condition for the deal's success, signaling that the U.S. will not grant full economic concessions without verified behavioral changes from Tehran.
Speaking during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., Vance said the terms of the agreement signed on Wednesday [1]. He said that future sanctions relief and economic benefits are directly linked to Iran's adherence to the deal's terms [2].
"The only way the Iranians get any of these resources ... is if they comply fully," Vance said [3].
The agreement, which consists of 14 paragraphs [4], includes provisions regarding the naval blockade. Following the signing, more than 12 ships have been allowed through to Iranian ports [1]. However, Vance said that this is not a blanket reprieve from U.S. pressure.
"We will lift the economic chokehold only if Iran changes its behaviour," Vance said [1].
The administration's approach seeks to balance a diplomatic opening with the maintenance of strategic leverage. By tying the removal of the naval blockade, and other financial restrictions to specific milestones, the U.S. aims to ensure that the peace deal results in a permanent shift in regional stability rather than a temporary pause in tensions.
“"The only way the Iranians get any of these resources ... is if they comply fully"”
This stance indicates a 'trust but verify' strategy by the U.S. administration. By making the lifting of the naval blockade and sanctions incremental and conditional, the U.S. retains a mechanism to quickly reimpose pressure if Tehran deviates from the 14-paragraph agreement, effectively using economic desperation as a tool for diplomatic enforcement.
