India, Aug. 9 -- The war in the Middle East has exposed a widening gap between the US and Iran, with both sides taking firm positions as diplomatic efforts continue through Oman. US Vice President has maintained that American military action severely weakened Iran's nuclear and military capabilities, while Tehran has linked any full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to major US concessions.

Iran is demanding compensation for war damage, an end to the US naval blockade, sanctions relief and the withdrawal of American forces from the region. The demands have complicated efforts to turn the Oman-mediated discussions into a broader agreement.

JD Vance, meanwhile, has continued to argue that Washington enters the negotiations from a position...