US Vice President JD Vance has said Iran will need to make a significant and tangible reduction in its uranium-enrichment capabilities for the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran to come to an end.
Speaking to Reuters after attending a Republican campaign event in Alaska, Vance said the United States remained in contact with Iran’s president and foreign minister as diplomatic efforts continued.
However, he stressed that Washington would not be satisfied with promises to reduce uranium enrichment at some point in the future. Instead, Iran would need to demonstrate a substantial reduction in its existing nuclear capabilities.
Washington remains uncertain over Tehran’s next move
Vance said the United States was still uncertain about the direction Iran would take in the nuclear negotiations and what decisions Tehran would ultimately make.
He indicated that Washington was continuing to pursue diplomatic channels while maintaining its core objective of preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East.
“The fundamental purpose of this conflict is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in the Middle East,” Vance said, according to Reuters.
The comments come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with diplomatic efforts focused on finding a framework that could end the conflict while addressing international concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Vance dismisses 2028 presidential speculation
During the interview, Vance also rejected speculation that he could be preparing for a presidential run in the 2028 US election.
The vice president said his immediate priority was helping Republicans achieve success in the upcoming US midterm elections rather than considering a future presidential campaign.
His remarks come as the Trump administration faces continuing pressure over its Iran policy, with the conflict and Tehran’s nuclear programme remaining among the most significant foreign-policy challenges facing Washington.
AALIMI NATION | International Desk
