Vance Says Iran Must Cut Enrichment Capacity to End the War

US Vice President JD Vance says any deal to end the seven-month war must include a meaningful cut to Iran’s enrichment capacity, not just pledges of future reductions. He asked why Tehran needs 60% enriched fuel if it truly wants no bomb. Both sides have traded proposals to end the fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but President Trump rejected Iran’s latest offer and warned that military operations could intensify after the midterms.

Who Is Making Decisions in Tehran?

Vance said Washington is talking with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, but it is unclear how much power they hold after the opening US-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Trump made a similar point. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei replied that mixed messaging from US officials is the real problem.

Iran War Impact on Midterms and 2028

Vance, who brokered a June truce that quickly collapsed, dismissed worries about munitions shortages. He said Iran can hit ships but cannot stop energy exports. The war costs about $3 billion a month, and high energy prices are hurting Republicans like Senator Dan Sullivan, who faces Mary Peltola in Alaska. Vance has not decided on a 2028 run.