US Vice President Vance Announces 60-Day Negotiation Deadline with Iran Begins June 18

US Vice President JD Vance announced on June 18 that the 60-day deadline to finalize a US-Iran agreement begins that day, with Vance leading the American negotiating team. Both sides have reportedly honored initial military commitments, and technical negotiations are expected to begin this weekend. Vance emphasized the agreement aims to resolve Strait of Hormuz operations and noted that Iranian economic benefits depend on full compliance and behavioral changes.

Quick Facts

60-day negotiation deadline commences
US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed
Vance to lead American negotiating team
Technical negotiations to begin
Military commitments being fulfilled

US Vice President JD Vance announced on June 18 at a White House press conference that the 60-day deadline for reaching a final agreement between the United States and Iran, as stipulated in their memorandum of understanding, has officially commenced. Vance stated he will lead the American negotiating team in the forthcoming discussions. He noted that due to the late signing time and time zone considerations, the agreement was technically signed on June 18 Iranian time.

Vance confirmed plans to travel to Switzerland, though specific timing remains uncertain. Technical-level negotiations between the US and Iranian delegations are expected to begin this weekend. Vance reported that both Iran and the US have thus far fulfilled their military commitments under the memorandum of understanding. He noted that Iran has not fired on any vessels in the Strait of Hormuz for two consecutive nights, while the US military has allowed numerous ships to pass through its naval blockade line.

The vice president emphasized that the final agreement aims to resolve long-term operational issues in the Strait of Hormuz and ensure the critical waterway "will never again become a bottleneck for the global economy." He stressed that the US position opposes charging tolls for transit through international waterways.

Regarding the $300 billion in reconstruction and economic development funds for Iran mentioned in the memorandum, Vance stated that negotiations remain in early stages and he cannot provide definitive details at this time. However, he stressed that economic benefits under the agreement will only materialize if Iran "fully complies" and "changes its behavior."

Vance also noted that Israeli military operations in Lebanon have occasionally hindered US-Iran negotiations, frustrating President Donald Trump. While reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense, Vance urged Israel to "respect this peace process which is beneficial to them and the entire region."

Topics

Politics Iran and Middle East War White House and Trump Business World

#memorandum of understanding #diplomatic talks #US-Iran negotiations #economic sanctions relief #international relations #60-day deadline #Strait of Hormuz #JD Vance #Middle East peace

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Why This Matters

This US-Iran negotiation deadline is significant for global energy security, as the Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-third of world maritime oil trade. The 60-day window establishes a concrete timeline for resolving regional tensions that have disrupted shipping and threatened economic stability. For businesses and investors, the outcome determines whether Iran will rejoin global markets and whether maritime passage through critical chokepoints remains unobstructed—directly affecting energy prices, supply chains, and geopolitical risk.

Timeline & Sources

Jun 18, 2026

Wire

Vice President Vance announces 60-day negotiation deadline begins; memorandum of understanding signed