US Vice President JD Vance said the United States will use military, economic, and diplomatic tools to bring the Iran conflict to a resolution. Vance stated the US will use these tools to ensure the matter ends as we wish.
Vance described Iran as having a fractured system, noting that some people within the system want the war to end while others are 'crazy radicals' who want it to continue. He characterized Iranians as 'extraordinarily difficult people.'
The Vice President said the United States' job is to navigate Iran's fractured system to achieve the best outcome for the President of the United States and the American people. He expressed hope for a resolution, stating it 'is going to be messy and it's gonna take some time to get there—but we'll land.'
Regarding nuclear capabilities, Vance said Iran will never have a nuclear weapon and stated that the United States will be in a stronger position as a result.
US President Donald Trump said he would rather reach a deal with Iran than resort to military action, stating, 'I'd rather make a deal because I don't want to kill people.' However, Trump said the use of force remains an option if diplomacy fails.
Negotiations follow a framework agreement signed by Washington and Tehran on June 18. However, talks stalled due to disagreements on guarantees for security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Last month, the United States carried out strikes inside Iran, and Iran responded by targeting what it described as US military facilities and equipment in several Arab countries, specifically Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Vance noted that a resolution to the conflict will cause oil prices to 'come down and stay down.'
Relations with Israel
Addressing his recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in Washington, Vance denied claims that tensions were present. He stated the meeting took place in a 'sincere atmosphere' and emphasized that the United States and Israel are close allies. While noting that the two nations sometimes have disagreements, Vance said they address them directly.
Vance had previously drawn criticism for recent critical remarks about Israel. He also noted that some Israeli officials opposed a potential agreement between the United States and Iran. According to Axios, Prime Minister Netanyahu was disturbed by Vance's public criticisms of Israel and raised the issue during their private meeting in Washington.
