US Vice President Vance: Iran Must Cut Uranium Enrichment to End War

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated in an exclusive interview with Reuters that Iran must "tangibly" reduce its uranium enrichment capacity to meet U.S. demands and end the seven-month war between the two countries. Vance, known for his skepticism of U.S. foreign intervention, is playing a leading role in negotiating a settlement to the conflict. He previously mediated a temporary peace agreement in June that quickly collapsed. The war has shaken global energy markets and become a political burden for President Donald Trump and his Republican allies ahead of the November midterm elections.

Vance elaborated on Monday, following an election tour in Alaska, that any agreement would require Iran to decrease its nuclear enrichment capabilities, not just offer future assurances. He questioned the necessity of 60% enriched uranium if Iran does not seek a nuclear weapon, emphasizing that tangible actions on enrichment capacity are crucial for demonstrating commitment to avoiding nuclear proliferation.

Responding to Vance's comments, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that American "demands and ideas" regarding Iran's nuclear program contradict Tehran's own demands. Iran and the U.S. have exchanged proposals recently aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. President Trump rejected Tehran's latest offer and warned of escalating military operations post-midterm elections.

Vance affirmed that the U.S. remains open to an agreement but will insist on concrete Iranian nuclear concessions, stating, "We will not trade words for deeds." He also noted that Washington is uncertain about the decision-making process in Tehran, despite ongoing talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Vance suggested that the extent of their authority within Iran's power structure is unclear, particularly after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes early in the war reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Conversely, the senior Iranian official stated that the Islamic Republic has not engaged in direct negotiations with the U.S. on its nuclear program and that Washington must first meet Tehran's conditions. The official declared that U.S. recognition of Iran's right to nuclear enrichment is a red line for Tehran, on which "it will not show any flexibility whatsoever," though details of enrichment could be discussed later. The official characterized Vance's statements as Washington's "ideas and demands," which conflict with Iran's own requirements.

Israel, the U.S., and other Western nations have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, citing its enrichment of uranium to 60%, far above civilian needs and close to the 90% required for a weapon. Iran denies these accusations, with authorities suggesting Tehran might agree to dilute its highly enriched uranium. Regarding battlefield assessments, Vance dismissed concerns about ammunition shortages, asserting that while Iranian forces can occasionally strike commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, they are incapable of preventing energy exports through the waterway. Vance declined to confirm if he was leading peace talks, stating only that the U.S. is involved and President Trump is ultimately in charge.