As peace talks in Islamabad progress, US Vice President JD Vance finds himself in a precarious position regarding Iran. The two-week ceasefire is at risk, and Vance must decide whether to agree to significant US concessions that may include de-listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and releasing billions in frozen assets. These concessions are seen as essential for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy. However, such moves could be perceived as weakness by President Donald Trump, who has emphasized a stance of dominance and recently stated that Iran has 'no cards' left. The alternative—abandoning negotiations—could lead to renewed hostilities, a scenario that polling suggests is highly unpopular among the American electorate. Vance's challenge lies in framing any concessions as strategic realignments rather than giveaways, aiming to maintain a balance between diplomatic necessity and political survival as he navigates the complex landscape of US-Iran relations.