Gerry Arthurs

A ceasefire between Washington and Tehran appears to have created a diplomatic opening.

Both sides agreeing to further talks over Iran's nuclear programme.

and the future relations between their two countries.

And Witkoff is on his way to Switzerland to start the technical aspect of those talks.

But whether he is equipped to so do is another question entirely.

Most critics argue that the agreement leaves many of the most difficult questions unanswered, while others are questioning whether the ceasefire can actually survive all the political pressures in Israel, Iran, and in the United States.

But it's interesting that during the week, at a press briefing in the White House on Wednesday,

the U.S.

Vice President, J.D.

Vance, did something that very few American politicians ever do, and that is he criticized Israel.

Specifically, he criticized members of the Israeli government for attacking President Trump over the U.S.-Iran agreement.

And don't forget, this is a man who is a heartbeat away from the presidency.

a very stark threat to Israel.

Don't forget who's paying the bill.

Don't forget who's making and providing the weaponry that you have at your disposal to defend your territory.

Well, to help us make sense of where things stand, I'm joined now by Gerry Arthurs, lecturer in international relations and politics at Southeast Technological University.

Gerry, good morning.

Good morning, Pat.

Delighted to be here.

Interesting to hear that statement from Vance.