A Senate committee on Aug. 6 voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in contempt of Congress. The full Senate could consider the matter before making a referral to prosecutors, but Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has said that might result in a negative vote.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday called Iranian negotiators "extraordinarily difficult people" and said any nuclear deal would take time.

Speaking to Fox News, Vance acknowledged American frustration with the stop-start nature of diplomatic progress but said Iran's "fractured system" includes both those wanting peace and "crazy radicals who want the war to continue."