Vice President says diplomacy preferred but military options remain if Tehran refuses to abandon weapons pursuit.
US Vice President JD Vance declared that President Donald Trump has made the administration’s position unmistakably clear: Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.
In an interview on Fox News, Vance stated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capability is the ultimate objective, whether achieved through diplomacy or other means. He emphasized that the administration strongly prefers a negotiated resolution but is prepared to consider alternative tools if talks fail.
Vance described Iran as the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism and argued that allowing such a regime to possess nuclear weapons would pose a grave threat to global security. He said the President has defined a clear strategic goal and is pursuing diplomatic channels while maintaining leverage through additional options.
Another round of talks with Tehran is scheduled, which Vance characterized as an opportunity for Iran to demonstrate seriousness. He stressed that any settlement must ultimately ensure that Iran permanently abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
When asked whether preventing nuclear capability would require leadership change in Tehran, Vance said that the President would determine the appropriate course of action to achieve the objective. He reiterated that while the administration hopes to resolve the crisis without military force, the use of force remains within the President’s authority if necessary.
The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear activities. Washington’s position, as articulated by Vance, centers on a single principle: Iran cannot be allowed to develop or possess nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
