Vice President JD Vance hinted that President Donald Trump might decide at the last minute to attend the ceremonial signing ceremony for the recently announced US-Iran peace deal.
Vance stated that he anticipates attending the formal memorandum of agreement signing ceremony in an interview with Fox News on Sunday night. He, however, added that talks over the US delegation are still underway.
“I think we’re still figuring out the logistics on who’s going to attend that signing ceremony,” Vance said during a televised phone interview. “I certainly plan to be there, but it’s possible the president himself could be there.”
Following mediation efforts spearheaded by Pakistan and Qatar, the event is anticipated to take place on Friday in Geneva, Switzerland.
Read more: When will Strait of Hormuz reopen? US-Iran peace deal raises hopes but shipping recovery may take time
Why Trump’s attendance remains uncertain?
The White House has not yet confirmed whether Trump will visit Geneva, despite Vance’s remarks. The ultimate choice may be heavily influenced by security concerns.
The US Secret Service generally discourages simultaneous appearances by the president and vice president, particularly overseas. The practice is intended to preserve continuity of government and reduce security risks.
That protocol means either Trump or Vance is likely to represent the United States at the signing ceremony rather than both attending together.
The timing also complicates planning. Trump is already scheduled to attend the annual Group of Seven summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, later this week.
Read more: Pakistan says US and Iran reach deal to end war, reopen Strait of Hormuz | What is happening?
What did Vance say about the US-Iran deal?
“I’m not going to say that everybody’s going to sing Kumbaya tomorrow,” Vance said on Fox News.
Although he acknowledged that there is still work to be done, Vance described the agreement with Iran on Sunday as “a big moment for the United States of America.”
According to Vance, the agreement is based on three fundamental components.
The first is “the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and, of course, the lifting of the naval blockade that we’ve had on Iran.” The guarantee that Iran will never seek, acquire, or purchase a nuclear weapon, he stated, is the second component.
“This only happens, to be clear, if Iran delivers on their promise,” Vance listed as the third element.
He also highlighted how US consumers, who have been negatively impacted by months of high petrol prices, will benefit economically.
He thanks the American people and says, “I guess my primary message to the American people is ‘thank you.’ Because of your patience, I think that we solved the problem that has plagued this country.”