Vance says Iran talks progressing, warns against nuclear restart

"In the Iranian system, like a lot of places, you've got people who actually recognise the last 47 years of their government has been a mistake and that they need to change their relationship with the United States, with Europe, with the Gulf Arab countries," he said.

"And then you've got a few people who are still kind of attached to the old ways."

He said Washington believed "we see a lot of momentum for the people who are trying to turn over a new leaf" and would therefore continue giving diplomacy "as much of a chance to succeed as possible."

However, he reiterated that any attempt by Iran to restart sensitive nuclear activities or restrict international monitoring would trigger a different US response.

"If they try to rebuild that nuclear programme, if they refuse to let inspections in, if they... resume shooting at commercial vessels... then obviously, the President still has a lot of options on the table," he said.

Vance also declined to speculate about the 2028 presidential election after being asked about comments from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

"I don't think much about 2028," he said. "My attitude is let's do a good job now. Let's continue to try to bank some wins for the American people. We can worry about the future when the future comes."

On the Supreme Court, Vance said he believed Justice Amy Coney Barrett had "made a mistake" in a recent birthright citizenship ruling, adding that "sometimes the Supreme Court makes mistakes" and that the administration would "try to correct that mistake."

He also dismissed speculation over a possible retirement by Justice Samuel Alito, saying any decision would rest entirely with the justice.

The Doha negotiations follow recent US military strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities ordered by President Trump after tensions escalated in the Gulf. The administration has since shifted its focus to diplomacy, with Qatar playing a key mediating role between Washington and Tehran.

The talks come amid broader international efforts to reduce tensions in the region, restore confidence in maritime security and prevent further escalation over Iran's nuclear programme. The United States has maintained that diplomacy remains its preferred course but insists it will act if Iran resumes activities it considers a threat to regional or global security.

“Except for the headline, no changes have been made to the story, as it has been sourced from IANS.”