U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday described the recently agreed ceasefire between Washington and Tehran as “fragile.”

He warned that its success depends on Iran’s willingness to engage in good-faith negotiations.

Mr Vance said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the mutual halt in hostilities formed the foundation of what he characterised as a delicate truce.

Mr Vance said this while speaking at an event in Budapest as he concluded a two-day visit to Hungary.

“There are factions within Iran,” Mr Vance said, noting that some are open to constructive dialogue while others may seek to undermine diplomatic efforts.

“If the Iranians are willing to work in good faith with us, I think we can make an agreement,” he said.

He added, however, that if Tehran were to “lie, cheat and sabotage” the ceasefire, it would face consequences.

Mr Vance emphasised that the U.S. retained significant leverage, pointing to its military capabilities as well as diplomatic influence and what he described as “extraordinary economic leverage.”

He referenced the stance of Donald Trump in underscoring Washington’s readiness to respond if the agreement collapses.

The vice president’s remarks came during a visit aimed partly at supporting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.

Mr Orbán, widely seen as an ally of Mr Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, is facing a competitive race, according to opinion polls.

Before departing Hungary, Mr Vance also appeared at the Matthias Corvinus College in Budapest, an institution known for its close ties to the Orbán government and substantial state funding.

The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, announced earlier this week, was intended as a temporary measure to de-escalate tensions.

However, Mr Vance’s comments reflect broader concerns within Washington that the agreement remained precarious and could quickly unravel without sustained diplomatic progress. 

(dpa/NAN)