Vice President JD Vance recently commented on the war with Iran, offering hopeful tones to those seeking to ease hostilities in the Middle East.
In an interview with Reuters, the vice president said that as long as Iran promised to take “meaningful” measures to take it easy on nuclear enrichment, there may be room for peace talks to progress – which would see not only the cessation of armed conflict, but also the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrives in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for a scheduled port visit, July 30, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Roann Gatdula)
Iran has maintained a chokehold on the critical waterway since February, creating a logjam in the world oil supply and, in turn, driving up pump prices.
Iran’s Nuclear Capability Point of Contention in Peace Talks
The US has long expressed concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, and over the years has placed sanctions of varying degrees against the Muslim state in an effort to discourage the development of its nuclear program. Those efforts did not work.
(April 8, 2017) The future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) underway on its own power for the first time. The first-of-class ship — the first new U.S. aircraft carrier design in 40 years — will spend several days conducting builder’s sea trials, a comprehensive test of many of the ship’s key systems and technologies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni/Released)
Vance said that Iran needed to show the US that it has no intention of developing a nuclear weapon.
One concrete way to do that, the vice president said, was to make changes to its enrichment program, as he questioned why Iran needed “60% enriched fuel” if it is not intending to build a nuclear weapon.
Vance added that the nuclear issue is a “basic threshold issue” that needs to be addressed.
Has Iran Actually Developed Nuclear Weapons?
The intentions of its leaders aside, there has been no concrete evidence that Iran has been able to develop nuclear weapons. US intelligence reported that Iran had the capacity to produce such weapons but stopped development at some point.
However, Israeli intelligence has also repeatedly exposed covert operations designed to keep the program moving.
Experts and observers note that while Iran has reportedly been able to enrich uranium up to 60%, uranium must be enriched up to around 90% for it to be considered weapons-grade.
Iran has also repeatedly reasoned that its enrichment program is only meant for energy, not for weaponry. The latest memorandum of understanding Iran reached with the US states, which failed soon after it was implemented, saw Tehran reaffirm that it will “not procure or develop nuclear weapons.”
Stop Nuclear Development, Or Else
While Vice President Vance’s comments may signal a softening of the US’ position – at least to kick off peace talks – other US government officials have maintained a more hardline stance on the issue of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
President Donald Trump, for one, has warned the Islamic regime that the war will end either in a “nice way or no-so-nice way.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also accused Tehran of missing “multiple opportunities” to sit down with the US and reach an agreement on their nuclear program.
Iran is Committed to its Nuclear Development Program
For its part, Iran said that it remains committed to developing its nuclear capabilities, and said that its goals at this point remain “at odds” with the American “ideals” of how it should develop its nuclear program.
“Iran will never give up its right to enrich, but enrichment details can always be discussed later,” a senior Iranian official told the media.
Trump Rejects Peace Deal, Bombing May Continue Beyond US Midterm Elections
Speaking to reporters earlier this month, President Donald Trump said that he rejected the most recent peace deal with Iran pitched to him via mediators, saying that the provisions were unacceptable.
Hostile action directly involving US troops may also soon escalate — the US is sending 7,000 sailors and 2,000 Marines via ship to the Middle East on a third aircraft carrier being deployed to the region.
Reports say that the vessels to be deployed include the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the USS Makin Island amphibious readiness group.
The Pressure Is On: Will Iran Give In?
As the US continues to put pressure on Iran – both through military and economic means – it remains to be seen if the Islamic state will be able to hold its own and persist.
Iran’s oil exports, which are necessary to generate state revenue, have effectively been reduced to zero, according to reports.
The Middle Eastern country has long relied heavily on oil sold to countries like China. Inflation has also ballooned to more than 80%.
About the Author: Tim Ramos
Tim Ramos has written for various publications, corporations, and organizations, covering finance, politics, travel, entertainment, and sports in Asia and the U.S. for more than 10 years.
