In a biting commentary on the current state of U.S.-Iran relations, Jimmy Kimmel delivered a stark assessment of the diplomatic landscape during his Wednesday night show. The late-night host reacted to reports that Iran prefers Vice President JD Vance to lead negotiations, stating, “Iran sees JD Vance as a more acceptable diplomatic figure than Witkoff and Kushner in the same way a canker sore is more acceptable than herpes.”
This quip came in light of President Donald Trump’s initial choice of Steve Witkoff, his special envoy to the Middle East, alongside son-in-law Jared Kushner for peace talks. However, Iranian officials reportedly refused to engage with either individual, as noted by various sources.
Kimmel humorously remarked that it might be the “first time anyone’s ever wanted to talk to Vance,” adding a personal touch with, “even his wife Usha was like, ‘Are you sure they said JD?’” This comment underscores the skepticism surrounding Vance's diplomatic appeal.
According to diplomatic sources, Iran’s leadership expressed “zero trust” in the original negotiating team from Washington, D.C. Witkoff, a New York real estate developer, had little to no foreign policy experience prior to his appointment as envoy last year.
Kushner, who served as one of Trump’s senior advisors during his first term, played a significant role in fostering relations between Israel and other Middle Eastern nations. His close ties to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a key adversary of Iran, further complicate the dynamics.
As Operation Epic Fury approaches its one-month milestone, tensions remain high between the U.S. and Iran over the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil trade. During a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump claimed that Iran had allowed ten oil tankers to pass through the strait as a “present.”
However, just hours later, the White House issued an ultimatum for Iran to open the Strait or face military action against Kharg Island, extending the deadline from Friday to Monday, April 6. The situation continues to evolve as both nations navigate this precarious diplomatic standoff.
For those interested in Kimmel's full take on the Iranian situation, the segment is available for viewing online.
