Vance says talks in Switzerland with Iranian officials set ‘good foundation’ for deal to end war

Vice President JD Vance said Monday peace talks with Iran created a "good foundation for a successful final deal" to end the war that began at the end of February.

Vance's comments came after he and Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf wrapped up a lengthy round of initial talks aimed at solidifying a permanent end to the war between the countries.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain this week as the Trump administration has stepped up efforts to end the war with Iran while Gulf countries remain uneasy about a proposed deal.

The State Department announced Monday that Rubio would visit the three countries for bilateral meetings with leaders to discuss the memorandum of understanding reached last week between the U.S. and Iran, weekend talks in Switzerland between senior Iranian and U.S. officials as well as security for American allies and partners in the Middle East, including the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

Rubio will discuss "regional priorities," "efforts to secure full and free safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region," the department said in a statement.

While in Bahrain, Rubio will also meet with Gulf Cooperation Council officials "to discuss shared priorities."

The license authorizes the production, delivery and sale of Iranian oil. It will last through Aug. 21.

The license emerged Monday as U.S. Vice President JD Vance said his lengthy talks with senior Iranian officials in Switzerland created a "good foundation for a successful final deal." Negotiators are seeking a permanent end to the war the U.S. and Israel began in late February.

The talks were jolted by statements from Trump, who, from thousands of miles away, fired off comments that offended the Iranians.