What Conditions Did Vance Set to End the War with Iran?

US Vice President JD Vance said that Iran must make a "tangible" reduction in its uranium enrichment capabilities to meet United States demands and end the war between the two countries that has lasted for more than 7 months, even as Washington remains unsure of how Tehran makes decisions in negotiations.

Vance added, in an interview with "Reuters," that any agreement to end the war would require Iran to take concrete steps to reduce its uranium enrichment capabilities, rather than merely offering pledges to reduce its nuclear capabilities in the future.

The US Vice President clarified, in the interview conducted on Monday following a campaign stop in Alaska: "If you don't want a nuclear weapon, why do you need fuel enriched to 60%? And if you want to show commitment to not manufacturing a nuclear weapon, then don't produce highly enriched fuel. This is a very fundamental issue."

He added: "I believe that if they want to demonstrate their commitment to not making a nuclear weapon, they will take concrete actions regarding their enrichment capabilities."

Vance said that the United States remains open to reaching an agreement with Iran, but it will condition this on Tehran taking concrete nuclear steps, adding: "We will not accept words as a substitute for actions."

Iran and the United States have exchanged proposals during recent weeks aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping corridor, while US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran's latest offer and warned of the possibility of escalating military operations after the midterm elections.

Talks with Pezeshkian and Araghchi

Vance said that Washington is holding talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, but he noted that it is unclear how much authority the two hold within the power structure in Tehran.

The US Vice President said: "Among the things we have noticed is that it is not entirely clear how their country makes decisions."

Trump had said on Tuesday that his "biggest problem" is that no one knows who runs Iran.

On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that US officials are well aware of who their Iranian counterparts are and how the decision-making system works in Iran.

Vance: Iran Unable to Halt Energy Exports

Vance told "Reuters" that he personally held discussions with field commanders to assess conditions on the battlefield, dismissing concerns about acute ammunition shortages.

He added that Iranian forces manage from time to time to strike commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, but are largely unable to prevent the export of energy through this waterway.

The cost of the war is approximately $3 billion per month, becoming a prominent issue in the US midterm election campaign, amid rising energy prices and the resulting political pressure on Trump and Republicans.

Vance sought to downplay criticism directed at Trump's handling of the conflict, telling voters that they should not let this issue prevent them from supporting Republicans in next month's elections.

Vance Undecided on 2028 Election Stance

Vance is viewed as one of the prominent Republican candidates to succeed Trump in the White House.

Vance told "Reuters" after the rally that he has not yet decided whether he will run for president in 2028. He added: "I am by nature a person who tends to be cautious. I haven't really thought about it much."