JD Vance 'appears shaken' as he faces backlash over failed negotiations
C-Span viewers scrutinized JD Vance's negotiation skills after his recent briefing on the US-Iran talks.
Following a lengthy 21-hour negotiation session in Islamabad, Pakistan, Vance faced significant criticism. The Vice President, 41, aimed to find a resolution to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
Alongside Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, Vance's efforts on April 11 yielded no agreements. He attributed the failure to Iran's refusal to accept American conditions regarding its nuclear weapons program. After the session, Vance spoke to the press, with his remarks broadcast live on C-Span.
Addressing reporters, he stated, "Whatever the shortcomings were in the negotiations, it wasn't due to the Pakistanis, who did an amazing job, and really tried to help us and the Iranians bridge the gap, and get to a deal."
Vance continued, "We've been at it now for 21 hours, and we've had a number of subsequent discussions with the Iranians; that's the good news." However, he added, "The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that's bad news for Iran, much more than it's bad news for the United States of America. So we got back to the United States, having not come to an agreement."
He emphasized that the US "made very clear what our red lines are," but noted that Iran "chose not to accept our terms."
In the aftermath, C-Span viewers took to social media to express their opinions on Vance's performance. Many voiced sharp criticism of the Vice President. One viewer remarked, "He doesn't look smug here like he usually does. He looks terrified. And that scares the s--t out of me," while another added, "JD is way over his head. His arrogance may work in MAGAland, but not on a world stage. Not in the Middle East."
A third commenter expressed frustration: "This administration fails spectacularly at literally every single thing they try to do," while another user questioned, "Does JD know that if no deal, he'll be the fall guy?"
Vance: We have not reached an agreement. They have chosen not to accept our terms. pic.twitter.com/4715qb5oSm
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 12, 2026
One final comment raised eyebrows: "What in Vance's background gave him any skills or expertise whatsoever in negotiating anything? Much less an agreement to end a war we started."
Meanwhile, Donald Trump was notably absent from the negotiations, opting instead to attend UFC 327 in Miami, Florida. While discussions unfolded in Pakistan, Trump was seen at the Kaseya Center with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and family members, exchanging whispers between bouts.
Despite his public appearance, Trump maintained "constant communication" with the U.S. delegation in Pakistan. Vance reported speaking with the president no fewer than six times throughout the intense negotiation session.
