In interview, US Vice President Vance says Iran must cut enrichment to end war
USO•JD Vance said Iran must make a “meaningful” reduction in its nuclear enrichment capacity to meet US demands and end the seven-month war. A senior Iranian official said Washington’s requests conflict with Tehran’s demands and that recognition of Iran’s right to enrichment is a red line.
1. Enrichment demands
Vance said any agreement to end the war would require concrete Iranian nuclear concessions, including a meaningful reduction in enrichment capacity. “We're not going to trade words for actions,” he said, arguing that Iran’s 60%-enriched fuel was incompatible with a commitment not to build a nuclear weapon.
2. Iranian response
A senior Iranian official said no negotiations had taken place with the US about Iran’s nuclear program and that Washington must first meet Tehran’s conditions. The official said recognition of Iran’s right to enrich uranium was a red line, though details of enrichment could be discussed later.
3. Talks and conflict
Vance said the US was in talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, but that Washington was uncertain how much authority they held. The two countries have exchanged proposals aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz; the conflict has a stated monthly price tag of $3 billion.
