US and Iran hold indirect talks in Qatar as Vance warns of possible military action

In early July 2026, the United States and Iran held indirect talks in Qatar, with President Donald Trump praising the meetings as productive and saying denuclearization was "moving along well." Vice President JD Vance, however, struck a more confrontational tone, suggesting the US might resume military action against Iran and dismissing Iran's denial of the talks as a "Persian negotiating tactic." Vance claimed the US holds "all the cards" in the negotiations.

While Trump hailed the discussions and said the US was "getting along well" with Iran, Vance contradicted the president on bipartisan cooperation regarding a housing bill. The mixed signals from the administration highlight internal disagreements over how to handle Iran, though both officials agreed that the Doha talks were a step forward.