Vance: US-Iran Conflict Still 'Middle of the Game'
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- Vance said Saturday the U.S. has made progress in Iran negotiations but warned the war remains "in the middle of the game" while the Trump administration presses Tehran for concessions to end the conflict.
- Cross-coverage shows the diplomatic momentum is contested: Oman cited progress in Strait of Hormuz talks, but Iran warned any deal would not reopen the strait and the UAE reported Iran targeted a tanker during the negotiations.
Why it matters: The Trump administration's "progress" narrative is being publicly undercut by the other governments at the table — Iran is signaling a deal wouldn't even reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the UAE is reporting an Iranian tanker attack happening in parallel with the talks. Diplomatic optimism and on-the-water hostility are advancing simultaneously, meaning "concessions" are far from settled despite Vance's framing.
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