Why is Trump saying ‘no deal necessary’ with Iran as he sidelines JD Vance?

Key Points:

• US President Donald Trump told Vice President JD Vance to focus on investigating corruption in Democratic-run cities rather than pursuing a deal with Iran, signaling a shift away from negotiations despite ongoing tensions.
• Vance, a critic of the US-Israeli war on Iran, previously led diplomatic talks and advocated for a deal, but his influence appears diminished as Trump sends mixed messages on military action against Iran.
• Iran claimed it destroyed a US military early-warning radar in Bahrain in retaliation for an airstrike, while several commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have been hit by mines or Iranian forces, escalating regional tensions.
• Tehran demands the lifting of sanctions, an end to the US naval blockade, and a ceasefire as conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but Washington insists on addressing Iran’s nuclear program first, leaving diplomatic progress stalled.
• Despite US military efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, multiple tankers have been attacked recently, and maritime insurers are increasingly reluctant to cover passage through the strategically critical but contested waterway.