FAIRBANKS, Alaska: US Vice President JD Vance has said Iran must make a “meaningful” reduction in its nuclear enrichment capacity to meet US demands and end the seven-month war.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Vance said Washington would require concrete action from Tehran rather than promises about future reductions.
Vance has taken a leading role in efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict. He previously helped broker a provisional peace agreement in June, but the deal quickly collapsed.
US Demands Reduction in Enrichment
Vance said any agreement would require Iran to reduce its nuclear enrichment capacity.
“If you don’t want a nuclear weapon, then why do you need 60% enriched fuel?” Vance said.
He added that Iran could demonstrate its commitment to not developing a nuclear weapon by taking meaningful steps to reduce its enrichment capacity.
The US and Iran have exchanged proposals in recent weeks aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.
However, President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s latest proposal and warned that military operations could intensify after the midterm elections.
Vance said Washington remained open to an agreement but would not accept verbal commitments without concrete action.
“We’re not going to trade words for actions,” he said.
Washington Questions Iran’s Decision-Making
Vance also said the US remains uncertain about who has final authority over major decisions in Tehran.
He said Washington has held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
However, Vance said it was unclear how much authority the two officials have within Iran’s power structure.
“One of the things we picked up on is it’s not totally clear how their country makes decisions,” Vance said.
Trump made a similar comment on Tuesday, saying his “biggest problem” was that no one knows who is running Iran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei rejected the claim.
He said US officials know their Iranian counterparts and understand Iran’s decision-making system.
“The problem is actually the opposite: it lies in the contradictory positions and mixed messaging from US officials,” Baghaei said at a weekly press conference.
Vance Discusses Strait of Hormuz
Vance said he had held personal conversations with field commanders to assess conditions on the battlefield.
He dismissed concerns about critical ammunition shortages and said Iranian forces could periodically strike commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, he said Iranian troops were largely unable to stop energy exports through the waterway.
Vance declined to confirm whether he was leading the peace negotiations.
“We’re certainly involved,” he said. “Ultimately, the president of the United States is driving things.”
War Becomes Political Issue for Republicans
The conflict has disrupted global energy markets and created a political challenge for Trump and Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.
Vance said the war costs around $3 billion a month. Rising energy prices have also put Republicans on the defensive in competitive states that could determine control of Congress.
During a campaign trip to Alaska, Vance defended Trump’s handling of the conflict and urged voters not to let the issue prevent them from supporting Republican candidates.
He campaigned for Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, who is facing a close reelection contest against Democratic challenger Mary Peltola.
Trump won Alaska by 13 percentage points in the 2024 election. However, rising living costs have made the state more competitive.
Vance Keeps 2028 Plans Open
Vance focused much of his Alaska speech on affordability, particularly energy costs.
Alaska’s remote location contributes to higher consumer prices, while energy production remains a major part of the state’s economy.
At the rally, attendees cheered when Sullivan nearly introduced Vance as the US president instead of vice president.
Vance is widely viewed as a potential Republican presidential contender for 2028.
However, he told Reuters that he has not decided whether he will seek the presidency.
“I’m inherently a procrastinator,” Vance said. “I really haven’t thought about it much.”
