Vance denies U.S. made concessions in Iran peace agreement

June 18 (UPI) -- Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that Iran and the United States are complying with their peace agreement but denied that the United States made concessions in the deal.

Vance said during a press conference at the White House reports that Iran is benefitting from its agreement with the United States have been "misrepresented." The sixth term of the agreement states that the United States and regional partners must pay at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"The simple fact is the only way the Iranians get any of those resources is, not a single penny by the way from the United States of America under any circumstances, but the only way they would ever get any benefit of the bargain is if they comply fully and change their behavior," Vance said. "So you really have a win-win situation for the United States of America."

The United States has also agreed to lift sanctions on Iran and allow it access to frozen funds.

Vance argued that lifting sanctions will allow the United States to "see a little bit where their financial system actually sends money and receives money."

"Even the economic benefits, the sanctions relief and so forth that comes along with this bargain, only happens if the Iranians perform," Vance said.

Vance added that the Trump administration is preparing to hold a formal briefing with Congress "very soon," but that he is "confident" that the administration can lift sanctions without congressional approval.

Vance said the administration has briefed some members of Congress over the past week.

"We feel quite confident that we can temporarily lift those sanctions without going to Congress and seeking their approval on that," Vance said.

Lawmakers in Congress have voiced skepticism about the agreement with Iran, including Republicans.

"Is it giving $300 billion to the Iranian ayatollah? I hope not. I pray not," Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said on his podcast.

Nikki Haley, former U.N. ambassador to the Middle East under the first Trump administration, called the agreement to pay Iran for reconstruction "a huge mistake" in a social media post.

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 1:51 PM.