US Vice President JD Vance described Iran’s refusal to join the planned talks in Doha, Qatar, as a “Persian bargaining tactic.” Speaking on The Michael Knowles Show, Vance said that technical-level discussions between Washington and Tehran were already underway and scheduled to continue the next day. He noted that the talks were part of an ongoing process rather than a new negotiation.

Vance commented that Iran’s public statements appeared both interesting and frustrating, as Iranian officials publicly denied peace talks while acknowledging technical discussions on a peace agreement with the United States. He characterized this dual approach as a rhetorical style he found difficult to interpret.

Responding to criticism over US engagement with Iran, Vance added that President Donald Trump had demonstrated readiness to use military force if necessary but preferred to do so only to achieve specific objectives.