Korean Media: Vance Still Waiting in Washington… U.S. Negotiation Team Awaiting Signal from Iran to Begin
As the deadline for a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran (U.S. Eastern Time on the 22nd) approaches, Vice President JD Vance, originally scheduled to lead the U.S. negotiation team, had not yet departed for Pakistan by the 20th and remained in Washington, waiting. The negotiation schedule itself appears to be contingent on Iran’s response, increasing uncertainty over whether talks will actually take place.
On the same day, President Donald Trump told media outlets that Vice President Vance was en route to or about to arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan. However, as of the 20th, Vance was still in the United States. Although reports suggest Vance may depart for Islamabad on the 21st, this is not yet confirmed—it remains at best a prediction.
U.S. media report that Vance’s delay is not due to scheduling coordination issues but rather because he is awaiting a signal from Iran to begin proceedings. In contrast to Trump’s optimistic statement that "a deal would be reached before Monday the 20th," the two sides have not even finalized a meeting schedule. One government official said: "Trump is frustrated with this situation. He wants to end it all. He doesn’t want to keep fighting anymore—but if necessary, he’ll continue." This also implies the negotiations remain in an uncertain state.
In reality, the negotiation environment has deteriorated rapidly over the past few days. Just hours after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared the Strait fully open, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire on oil tankers passing through the strait, reigniting tensions. In response, the U.S. seized a Iranian-registered cargo vessel near the Gulf of Oman. Iran labeled the act as "armed piracy" and issued warnings of retaliation.
Internal power dynamics within Iran have also added uncertainty. According to U.S. intelligence reports, divisions have emerged between Iran’s government and military leadership during negotiations. One senior official stated: "We believe we are negotiating with the right counterpart, but the IRGC insists '[this is not our position]'." Another official remarked: "We’re not even sure who the decision-makers are—neither are they."
Trump’s statements have further fueled confusion. He claimed that "Iran has decided to abandon its nuclear program," yet in actual negotiations, both sides are still discussing whether to halt uranium enrichment or limit enrichment levels. On the 20th, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on social media: "Compliance with commitments forms the basis of meaningful dialogue. Contradictory signals from the U.S. seem to demand surrender from Iran. Iranians will not yield to force."
Pakistan, serving as mediator, continues preparations for the talks, with heavy security deployed in Islamabad. However, it remains unclear whether the talks will actually occur. The two-week ceasefire is set to expire at local time on the evening of the 22nd, and significant disagreements persist over uranium enrichment, sanctions, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Chosun Ilbo
Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1863044575068171/
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