Vance claims Iran honoring deal so far as 60-day negotiating clock starts

WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that Iran was “honoring” the terms of its preliminary peace deal with Washington — before declaring a 60-day window to hash out a final agreement had opened.Vance touted swift economic relief as he tried to stem a revolt by congressional Republicans fearful that the vague terms of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU) would strengthen rather than hamstring the anti-American theocracy.“Last night, 12.5 million barrels of oil [went] into the Strait of Hormuz.That is a high since the beginning of the conflict,” Vance told reporters at the White House.“Gas prices dropped below $4 a gallon today for the first time since the conflict, and importantly, they’re going to keep falling further, given how low oil prices are.”Vance basked in the endorsements of anti-war Pope Leo XIV — exclaiming, “Praise Jesus!” — and the backing of Iran hawk Sen.

Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for the deal “now that he understands it better.”He also gave a stern warning to critical Israeli officials not to alienate their “only” ally by undermining the pact.“On the military side, the Iranians, for the second night in a row, did not shoot at any ships in the Strait of Hormuz, so far they are honoring their end of the commitment,” the vice president said.“On the blockade, CENTCOM allowed north of a dozen ships to go through our naval blockade, and so we’re also honoring our end of the early part of the agreement.”Vance stepped behind the White House briefing room lectern to serve as the agreement’s top salesman after Trump put him in charge of talks with Iranian officials, aided by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner.Opponents of the deal — who view it as too soft on Iran — are attempting to pin blame for any negative outcomes on Vance, which could derail his anticipated 2028 presidential campaign.Trump himself jokingly referenced that notion Wednesday, saying: “If it...