U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington no longer needs an agreement with Iran and directed Vice President JD Vance to shift his attention from the Iran file to domestic issues.
The statement marks a sharp departure from recent signals that negotiations could resume, but it was not a formal declaration that diplomacy has ended or that the conflict is over, Vesti Baku reported.
Trump outlined the new position in a social media post on Nov. 12, saying the time for a deal with Tehran had passed. He also asserted that the United States controls Iranian funds and the Strait of Hormuz. Those claims represented the president’s own assessment.
The White House told The Associated Press that Trump currently sees no need to negotiate with Iran.
Vance Redirected to Domestic Agenda
Trump instructed Vance to devote his “full and undivided attention” to alleged corruption and crime in U.S. cities and states governed by Democrats.
The decision came one day after The Wall Street Journal reported that the vice president had considered a personal meeting with a senior Iranian security official. Reuters said it could not independently confirm preparations for such talks, while Vance’s office did not immediately comment.
Vance had previously been one of the leading participants in U.S. diplomacy involving Iran. Talks held in Pakistan in April produced a June memorandum on suspending hostilities, but the ceasefire soon collapsed.
Conflict and Blockade Continue
Trump’s statement did not formally end the eight-month conflict. Earlier this week, he described the war as effectively over in military terms while preserving the option of further strikes if mediation efforts fail.
The United States continues to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports and provide security for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to AP, shipping volumes have approached prewar levels, but many tankers still travel with U.S. naval escorts and attacks on commercial vessels continue.
Iranian negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran remains prepared both for negotiations and for continued war. He also claimed Washington had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to help facilitate direct dialogue. The White House did not confirm that account.
Washington’s public position has therefore hardened, while the final shape of relations with Tehran remains uncertain. The U.S. military and economic campaign continues, and mediation channels have not been formally closed.