US Vice President Vows to Prevent Iran Nuclear Weapons and Restore Hormuz Strait Security

US Vice President J.D. Vance stated in a Fox News interview that the primary goals are to maintain favorable oil and gas prices for American citizens and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He expressed confidence in stopping Iran's nuclear ambitions and restoring the Strait of Hormuz as a vital corridor for free oil and gas flow. Vance criticized Iran for breaking agreements and emphasized the availability of numerous tools to address the situation if necessary.

Simultaneously, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Newsmax that unprecedented measures against Iran are forthcoming. Reuters reported that US officials received multiple warnings from Israel about Iranian assassination attempts on former President Trump, including a sniper and stabbing threats at public events. However, US intelligence has been unable to verify these warnings since early last year. Israeli intelligence shared this information directly with US intelligence agencies and the White House.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit the US Central Command (Centcom) headquarters in Florida, while Jared Kushner, Trump's advisor, may visit Israel next week to advance a 15-point plan for Gaza. According to AFP, US and Israeli officials agree on desired outcomes in Gaza but acknowledge shared concerns requiring joint efforts.

Despite US demands for Israel to close all fronts, US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, who recently visited Israel and met with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior commanders, advocates resuming strikes against Iran. Cooper urged attacks on Iran's national infrastructure, including gas, oil, and electricity facilities, stating such actions would significantly impact Iran without changing their stance. He conveyed this position to his superior, US Chief of Staff Dan Keane, and President Trump. Cooper also warned Israeli officials that renewed fighting and joint strikes might become necessary.

Centcom announced the formation of a drone strike force involving several Middle Eastern countries and requested naval assistance to counter mines in the Strait of Hormuz.