US Vice President JD Vance has stated that Iran must significantly reduce its uranium enrichment capacity if it hopes to satisfy Washington’s demands and facilitate an end to the seven-month conflict between the two nations. In an exclusive interview, Vance also acknowledged that the US remains unclear about how decisions are made within Iran’s negotiating framework.
Known for his opposition to deep US involvement in foreign conflicts, Vance has become a key figure in Washington’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the war. He played a role in brokering a tentative ceasefire agreement in June, which ultimately collapsed. The prolonged conflict has disrupted global energy markets and posed political challenges for President Donald Trump and Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.
Following a campaign visit to Alaska, Vance emphasized that Washington seeks concrete actions from Tehran rather than promises to reduce nuclear activities at a later date. He questioned Iran’s need for uranium enriched to 60%, stating, “If you don’t want a nuclear weapon, then why do you need 60% enriched fuel? And if you want to show commitment to not building a nuclear weapon, don’t build highly enriched fuel. That’s a very basic threshold issue.” He added that Iran could demonstrate its intentions by taking tangible steps to limit its enrichment program.
Recent weeks have seen exchanges of proposals between the US and Iran aimed at ending the conflict and reopening traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route. However, Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal and warned that military action could intensify after the midterm elections. Vance reiterated that the US remains open to an agreement but insists on concrete Iranian nuclear concessions, stating, “We’re not going to trade words for actions.”
Vance also highlighted the complexity of negotiations due to uncertainty over who holds decision-making power in Tehran. He mentioned ongoing talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi but noted it is unclear how much influence they have following joint US-Israeli strikes at the war’s outset that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “One of the things we picked up on is it’s not totally clear how their country makes decisions,” Vance said. Separately, Trump remarked that his “biggest problem” is not knowing who is running Iran.
Responding to these claims, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that US officials are well aware of their Iranian counterparts and the country’s decision-making system, attributing the issue to contradictory and mixed messaging from US officials.
Vance also shared that he has engaged in personal discussions with field commanders to assess battlefield conditions. He dismissed concerns about critical munitions shortages and noted that while Iranian forces occasionally strike commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, they have not been able to fully block energy exports through the waterway.
Although Vance declined to confirm if he is leading peace talks, he acknowledged his involvement, emphasizing that the US president is ultimately directing efforts. The conflict, which costs approximately $3 billion monthly, has become a significant campaign issue, with rising energy prices putting Trump and Republicans on the defensive in key states that will determine congressional control.
During his visit to Alaska, Vance campaigned for Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, who faces a close reelection contest against Democrat Mary Peltola. Despite Trump winning Alaska by 13 points in 2024, increasing living costs have made the state competitive. Vance focused much of his speech on affordability, particularly energy costs, noting Alaska’s remote location drives up consumer prices and that energy production is a vital industry.
At the rally, attendees cheered when Sullivan almost introduced Vance as the US president rather than vice president. Vance is viewed as a leading Republican contender for the presidency in 2028 but told reporters he has not yet decided whether to run, describing himself as “inherently a procrastinator” who “really hasn’t thought about it much.”
Leave an opinion