US Vice President Vance Says Iran Must Cut Nuclear Enrichment to End War

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated that Iran must make a meaningful reduction in its nuclear enrichment capacity to satisfy U.S. demands and end the seven-month war.

Vance told Reuters that if Iran does not want a nuclear weapon, it should not build highly enriched fuel, calling it a basic threshold issue. He indicated that any agreement would require Iran to reduce its enrichment capacity rather than offer assurances of future reductions. This statement raises questions about whether the Trump administration has abandoned its demand for zero enrichment.

Iran's uranium enrichment program was halted by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in June 2025, and Tehran has since denied inspectors access to nuclear sites. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimated Iran had 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60% purity before the strikes, enough for approximately 10 nuclear weapons. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran will never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and has missed multiple chances to reach a deal.

President Donald Trump also asserted that Iran will never happen regarding its nuclear ambitions and that Iran's military capabilities have been degraded. Iran's army spokesman threatened pre-emptive strikes, while IRGC officials claimed full control over the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to block shipping routes. Washington remains uncertain about who makes decisions in Tehran, with Vance noting discussions with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi but questioning their authority.