US Vice President J.D. Vance defended the US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU), affirming that Tehran will not receive money or sanctions relief if it fails to comply with the agreement.
On Thursday, 18 June 2026 GMT+7, US Vice President J.D. Vance told reporters at the White House that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Iran is now in effect, initiating a 60-day period for the next round of negotiations.
Originally, the US Vice President was scheduled to travel to Switzerland on Friday to attend the official signing ceremony and discuss the next steps of the agreement. However, he indicated that these plans might now be uncertain.
"Our plan is to travel to Switzerland, but I do not yet know the exact timing," Vance said.
Throughout the press briefing, Vance repeatedly emphasized that Iran will not receive any funds or sanctions relief unless it meets the obligations set forth in the memorandum of understanding.
Vance stated that the US will take a “holistic” approach to assess Iran's compliance, including closely monitoring whether the Iranian government continues to fund attacks or attempts to procure nuclear materials.
Additionally, the Vice President said he does not know the exact value of Iran's frozen assets but described them as “massive,” potentially exceeding $200 billion.
Vance added that the US expects Iran to eventually allow nuclear inspectors into the country and confirmed that the US government can resume military operations if necessary.
Meanwhile, Vance criticized some members of the Israeli government for attacking Donald Trump over this deal, stressing that Trump is “the only head of state in the world right now who truly sympathizes with Israel, and he happens to lead the world’s most powerful country.”
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc