JD Vance: US–Iran deal could mark “new day” for Middle East

US Vice President JD Vance has said a proposed agreement between the United States and Iran could usher in a “new day” for the Middle East, linking potential economic engagement with Tehran to changes in its behaviour and compliance with the terms of the deal.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Vance said Iran could gain access to major financial inflows only if it meets the obligations outlined in the proposed agreement.

"The agreement says they are not getting a single dime of American money," he said. "What the agreement does say, Sean, is if the Iranians behave and if there are sanctions relief and if the Iranians are integrated into the world economy, we would invite other countries, not us, but other countries to invest in their country."

"The Iranians don't get a dime unless they behave and change their behavior," he said on "Hannity."

Vance said that any future economic engagement would depend on Iran changing its conduct and abandoning activities Washington considers destabilising.

"If the Iranians are willing to change their ways. If they're willing to behave like a normal country, stop trying to build a nuclear weapon, stop trying to fund terrorism all over the Middle East, then we are willing to actually fundamentally transform our relationship with them," he said.

According to Vance, US and Iranian officials have reached an understanding that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending hostilities, and addressing Iran’s nuclear programme. The memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed in Switzerland on June 19.

He also said a proposed $300 billion investment fund under consideration would be financed by private companies rather than US taxpayers.

Separately, Vance claimed that US intelligence agencies had uncovered what he described as a coordinated security threat involving a planned attack against the White House. He called the attack a terrorist plot, saying it's not just "a few guys" but a "coordinated plot," referring to reports of an alleged attempt to target a UFC event at the White House that was thwarted on June 15.

By Sabina Mammadli