JD Vance Clarifies $300 Billion Investment Depends on Iran’s Compliance

US Vice President JD Vance defended the economic incentives proposed for Iran within the upcoming memorandum of understanding with Washington, stating on Tuesday that the mention of a $300 billion investment fund "does not mean providing American money to Tehran." Instead, it refers to allowing investments from other countries and entities if Iran fulfills the obligations stipulated in the agreement.

During an interview with Fox News, Vance emphasized that the economic incentives do not include "American money for Iran." He explained that if Tehran complies with the required conditions, the agreement permits other countries or entities to invest inside Iran after obtaining the necessary US approvals.

He clarified that the delay in releasing the text of the agreement is due to diplomatic considerations related to mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan between Washington and Tehran. Vance said, "There are diplomatic procedures happening behind the scenes, with Qatar and Pakistan mediating these negotiations with the Iranians, and they have practically asked us to arrange the manner in which we announce this agreement."

Vance added that Washington is prepared to publish the agreement "today or tomorrow," but the release might be postponed until Friday. He considered that "the timing of the release does not change the essence of the matter because the text will soon be available to the public."

He pointed out that the official signing ceremony scheduled for Friday "is the main reason for the delay," stating, "Friday is the date for the official signing ceremony and the start of these negotiations, and that is why they requested us to delay the publication. We are trying to push for presenting it sooner."

Regarding the agreement’s components, Vance described it as "very simple," highlighting three main elements: "preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open for navigation, and providing economic benefits to Iran if it complies with specific conditions."

He said, "If the Iranians behave well, if they stop supporting terrorism, and if they cease efforts to rebuild their nuclear weapons program, they can receive some real benefits. But if they do none of that, they will get nothing."

Vance noted that much misunderstanding arises from focusing on the potential gains for Iran without mentioning what Iran must offer in return. He said the "Iranian propaganda" talks about the benefits Tehran could receive but "ignores that they will only get these benefits if they make a fundamental change in how they conduct themselves as a state."

Addressing criticism related to the proposed economic incentives, including the $300 billion investment fund, Vance stressed that the United States will not provide any direct funds to Tehran.

He stated, "I want to be very clear about this: not one cent of American money will go to Iran under any circumstances, regardless of what the Iranians do."

He explained that the agreement allows other countries or entities to invest in Iran only if Tehran meets all its required commitments.

Regarding his planned participation in the signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday, Vance defended his attendance and rejected the notion that appearing alongside Iranian officials would reward Tehran.

He said, "I do not see taking a photo with them as a reward. What I see is that we will approach these negotiations with full seriousness," adding that his presence aims to send the message that "the entire US administration is committed to achieving a result that serves American interests."

Vance also expressed skepticism about Iran’s intentions, saying, "I want to know how serious they are and how unserious they are. They make many promises, but the question is: will these promises translate into real actions?"

He concluded, "That is why I will attend the negotiations, and that is why we went to Pakistan several months ago, and we will continue engaging in this process, putting in effort and moving forward to ensure its success," referring to the negotiation round hosted by Islamabad between the United States and Iran in April.