JD Vance signals progress in Iran talks as US seeks to enforce Trump’s red line

WASHINGTON – US Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday that progress is being made in negotiations aimed at reducing tensions with Iran. Speaking to the media at the White House, Vance emphasized that the key question is whether talks will advance enough to satisfy President Trump’s “red line.” “The President’s red line is simple,” Vance said. “Trump wants measures that prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.” Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Israel in a post on X, stating that the enmity with Iran is a “foolish gamble” and warning that collusion with Israel to sow division will not go unpunished. In a related development, the United States and China agreed that no country should have the right to impose taxes on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported the statement citing US State Department officials. The announcement comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The two-day visit is expected to include key discussions on the situation in Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview that Washington wants China to pressure Iran to step back from its activities in the Gulf. “It is in China’s interest to play a role in resolving the crisis,” Rubio said, noting that Chinese naval vessels are also affected by the current tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.