The Associated Press reported on June 30 (local time) that attention is focusing on why Vice President JD Vance, rather than Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has been tasked with leading U.S. nuclear negotiations with Iran.

According to officials in the Donald Trump administration, Secretary Rubio determined that the likelihood of reaching a satisfactory agreement with Iran was low and chose not to lead the delegation starting from the first round of talks held in Pakistan this past April.

Conversely, it is reported that Vice President Vance viewed the negotiations with Iran as an opportunity to expand his influence in the fields of diplomacy and national security, and requested twice that President Trump allow him to lead the delegation.

Vance ultimately led the negotiations in Pakistan and also spearheaded the subsequent talks in Switzerland after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end hostilities.

Some interpret this as Secretary Rubio stepping back from the role of leading the Iran negotiations to avoid the political burden associated with them.

Ian Kelly, who served as ambassador to Georgia during the first Trump administration, commented on the unusual situation of a vice president serving as a lead negotiator, stating, "Rubio may have been happy to hand off the role. It is a kind of 'poisoned chalice' that is difficult to succeed in."

Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio are considered likely competitors for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.

Because of this, observers suggest that the success or failure of the Iran negotiations could have a significant impact on the future landscape of the Republican presidential race.

In fact, President Trump recently joked that he would "blame Vance if the Iran negotiations fail."

President Trump has repeatedly made remarks that seem to fuel the competition between Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio regarding his succession.

Both Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio have dismissed interpretations regarding their political calculations surrounding the negotiations with Iran.

Vice President Vance stated, "We are focused on our respective duties."

Regarding President Trump's remarks, he downplayed their significance, saying, "The president likes to stir people up a little bit, and he enjoys those kinds of situations."

Secretary Rubio also recently told reporters, "There is no drama, no political games when it comes to foreign policy and national security," adding, "We are one team working closely together to carry out the president's agenda."

However, some analysts note that there are clear differences in the two men's philosophies regarding foreign policy.

While Secretary Rubio emphasizes the traditional U.S.-led international order, Vice President Vance is seen as having strong isolationist tendencies that favor minimizing foreign intervention.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)