Ali Vaez

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe discusses with Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and priorities for a future peace deal.

Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group argues that the US-Iran conflict failed to achieve strategic goals, leaving both sides with significant costs. Iran survived but faced economic devastation, while the US and Israel did not secure regime change or a better nuclear agreement.

President Donald Trump claims a potential deal with Iran to end the three-month-old war could be finalized this weekend, with Vice President JD Vance set to attend the signing. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated no agreement has been finalized, though mediators remain active. Trump's threats of escalating military action and seizing Iran's oil infrastructure are cited as factors in the negotiations.

Donald Trump's missile diplomacy strategy in Iran backfired as he canceled planned attacks after threatening to take control of Iran's oil industry. The administration claims a ceasefire remains in place, but Iran has not made key concessions on its nuclear program, and tensions persist with threats of retaliation.

The US and Iran seek to end their conflict, but an agreement remains elusive. Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group argues that any deal would merely restore the status quo without resolving core issues like Iran's nuclear program or sanctions.

Donald Trump stated talks with Tehran were progressing well and a peace agreement was 'largely negotiated,' but the US launched strikes in Southern Iran the following day. By Thursday, Trump shared a draft peace agreement with allies, though the deal remains unstable. Jonathan Freedland discusses Trump's shifting stance with Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group.

US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad are encountering significant obstacles due to a lack of trust. Ali Vaez highlights the challenges that may hinder the progress of the negotiations.