JD Vance Says Iran Must Make Major Nuclear Concessions to End War

Vice President JD Vance says Iran must significantly reduce its uranium enrichment capacity before the United States will agree to a deal ending the seven-month war, making clear that Washington expects concrete action from Tehran rather than promises.

Vance said Iran’s production of uranium enriched to 60% remains a central obstacle to an agreement. That level is far above what is typically needed for civilian nuclear power and considerably closer to weapons-grade material.

The vice president argued that Iran can demonstrate it is serious about abandoning any pursuit of a nuclear weapon by reducing its ability to produce highly enriched uranium. He said the United States will judge Tehran by what it actually does with its nuclear program.

Iran and the United States have exchanged proposals in recent weeks as negotiators attempt to reach an agreement that would end the conflict and restore normal commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump rejected Tehran’s most recent proposal and has warned that military operations could intensify if diplomacy fails.

Vance said the Trump administration remains willing to negotiate but will not accept verbal assurances in place of tangible concessions. The administration has consistently maintained that Iran cannot be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon.

One complication facing American negotiators is uncertainty over Iran’s internal decision-making structure. Vance said U.S. officials are communicating with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi but remain uncertain about how much authority individual Iranian officials have to approve a final agreement.

Iran has disputed that characterization. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has said American officials understand how Iran’s government makes decisions and accused Washington of sending contradictory messages during negotiations.

Vance has played a prominent role in diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict, although he stopped short of describing himself as the administration’s lead negotiator. He emphasized that President Trump ultimately directs U.S. policy and makes the final decisions on negotiations.

The conflict has also disrupted global energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil and natural gas transit routes. Vance said Iranian forces have periodically succeeded in striking commercial vessels but have been largely unable to completely halt energy exports through the waterway.

The war is estimated to be costing the United States roughly $3 billion per month. Concerns about energy prices, military spending and the duration of the conflict have become increasingly prominent as the November midterm elections approach.

Vance said the administration’s objective remains preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while reaching an agreement capable of ending the fighting. Whether negotiations succeed now depends heavily on whether Tehran is willing to make measurable reductions to its enrichment program rather than simply promising future restraints.