Vance Says Iran’s Negotiating Position Still Unclear, Warns Military Is ‘Locked and Loaded’

‘The Iranians aren’t themselves quite clear in what direction they want to go,’ the vice president said Tuesday.

Vice President JD Vance speaks during a press briefing at the White House on May 19, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday said that Iran’s leadership is “fractured” and their negotiating position with the United States isn’t clear, after President Donald Trump said that he would push back pre-planned strikes against the country the day before.

“The Iranians aren’t themselves quite clear in what direction they want to go,” Vance told reporters at the White House as he filled in for press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave. “They are also a fractured country,” he added.