Vance says ceasefire holds as Trump seeks comprehensive Iran deal

US Vice President JD Vance has said that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in place as negotiations continue despite deep mistrust between the two countries.

Speaking at an event at the University of Georgia, Vance said relations between Washington and Tehran have long been marked by suspicion, adding that such mistrust could not be resolved in a single night. 

He noted, however, that he felt positive about the current stage of the talks. He described the ongoing engagement as the highest-level dialogue between the two sides in nearly 49 years but acknowledged that a comprehensive agreement had not yet been achieved.

Vance said the United States is seeking a broad deal with Iran, adding that President Donald Trump wants an agreement that benefits both the United States and the wider world, rather than a limited arrangement.

Referring to his recent diplomatic efforts, Mr Vance said Iran was aware that he had been sent in good faith. He added that while progress had been made during discussions in Pakistan, a final agreement remained out of reach.

The US vice president also indicated that Iran could be integrated into the global economy if it refrains from developing nuclear weapons.

Separately, President Trump said in an interview with Fox News that the conflict with Iran is close to ending. He claimed that Tehran is seeking a deal and expressed confidence that the war is nearing its conclusion.

Trump also said that without his intervention, Iran might already have developed nuclear weapons, warning that such a development would have disrupted the global balance. 

He reiterated that the United States would not allow Iran to become a nuclear power and suggested that rebuilding the country could take up to 20 years.