VP JD Vance: U.S. Not at War with Iran, Still Open to Diplomacy
Vice President JD Vance stated Saturday that the United States is not at war with Iran, emphasizing that Washington remains open to diplomatic talks despite recent military action targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
“We are not at war with Iran. We are at war with their nuclear program,” Vance said during an appearance on NBC, following the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. The vice president made it clear that while the U.S. seeks to dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions, it is still extending a path toward peaceful negotiations.
“We want to end their nuclear program and then open discussions with the Iranian people about a long-term solution,” he added. “This is a reset — a chance for Iran to choose a more responsible path. We sincerely hope they take it.”
U.S. Rules Out Ground War, Pushes for Dialogue
Vice President Vance underscored that the U.S. has no interest in prolonged conflict or launching a ground invasion. “We’re not putting boots on the ground in Iran,” he said. He also dismissed claims that the recent airstrikes had derailed diplomatic efforts, stating, “Iran hasn’t genuinely embraced the opportunity to talk. We’re simply pushing to reset the dynamic.”
Vance asserted that the strikes have dealt a serious blow to Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. “They’re now years behind where they were,” he claimed.
Secretary of State Urges Direct Talks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Vance’s sentiments, urging Iran to engage directly with the U.S. government. “We don’t oppose a peaceful civilian nuclear program,” Rubio said, “but they won’t even speak to us directly. They send messages through intermediaries like it’s middle school. We’re not playing that game anymore.”
Rubio made clear that the U.S. is still open to peaceful resolution, but warned that any aggressive moves by Iran would be met with overwhelming force.
“They’re incredibly vulnerable. They can’t even defend their own airspace,” Rubio warned, citing the recent statements by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that U.S. bases across the Middle East are now “soft targets.”
“These countries have U.S. troops for a reason — they’re afraid of Iran,” he added.
Aftermath of “Operation Night Hammer”
The U.S. strike on June 21, code-named Operation Night Hammer, deployed over 125 aircraft, more than 20 Tomahawk cruise missiles, and 14 bunker-busting bombs aimed at Iran’s key nuclear facilities. U.S. officials said early assessments show severe destruction at all three sites.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Dan Caine noted that “final damage reports will take time, but preliminary analysis suggests heavy, likely irreversible damage at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.”
Iran has yet to release an official damage assessment but has accused Washington of “crossing a red line” and “striking a severe blow to global peace and diplomacy.”
Tehran warned it will respond, stating that the U.S. will “deeply regret its actions.”
(Sources: AP, Iran International)
