US Vice-President J.D. Vance stated in an interview on October 5 that Iran must make substantial cuts to its nuclear enrichment capacity to meet US demands and bring an end to the ongoing conflict between the two countries, now in its seventh month. Vance, who has led efforts to negotiate a settlement, emphasized that mere assurances from Tehran regarding future reductions would be insufficient.
During a campaign stop in Fairbanks, Alaska, Vance underscored that if Iran does not intend to develop nuclear weapons, it should not require uranium enriched to 60 percent. He described this as a fundamental threshold issue, asserting that meaningful reductions in enrichment levels would be necessary for progress. The conflict between the US and Iran has disrupted global energy markets and become a significant political concern for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections.
Recent weeks have seen Iran and the US exchange proposals aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments. Although Tehran made an offer, Trump rejected it and has warned of the possibility of intensified military action after the midterms. Vance stated that Washington remains open to an agreement but insists on tangible concessions from Iran, warning that words alone will not suffice.
The negotiations have been further complicated by uncertainty within the US government about Iran’s decision-making structure. Vance noted that while talks have been conducted with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Washington is unclear on the extent of their authority following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in initial US-Israeli strikes at the war’s outset. Trump echoed this uncertainty on October 6, describing the main challenge as not knowing who is effectively running Iran.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, rejected claims of US confusion about Iranian leadership, instead accusing American officials of inconsistent messaging as the root problem.
Vance indicated that he has engaged with field commanders to assess battlefield conditions, downplaying concerns over shortages of critical munitions. He acknowledged that Iranian forces occasionally strike commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz but largely have not succeeded in blocking energy exports in the area.
Although Vance declined to confirm whether he is the primary negotiator for the White House, he acknowledged his involvement, stating that ultimate decision-making rests with President Trump.
The conflict, with an estimated monthly cost of US$3 billion, is a prominent topic on the campaign trail. Rising energy prices have challenged Trump and Republicans, particularly in competitive states. Vance sought to mitigate criticism of the administration’s war management, urging voters not to let the conflict influence their support for Republican candidates. In Alaska, where he spoke, Vance backed incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan in a close race against Democrat Mary Peltola, highlighting local concerns about the affordability of goods in the remote state.