Transcript of US Vice President Vance interview in Alaska
USO•JD Vance said Iran must make meaningful changes to its uranium enrichment capacity for negotiations to advance, while the United States is unsure how Tehran makes decisions. He said President Donald Trump will decide whether to resume attacks and dismissed speculation about a 2028 presidential run, saying his focus is Republican midterm victories.
1. Iran negotiations
Vance said the U.S. goal is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent wider nuclear proliferation in the region. He said Iran would need to take meaningful steps on its enrichment capacity, including addressing its production of uranium enriched to 60%, and that the United States would seek actions in return for actions.
2. Unclear decision-making
Vance said the foreign minister and other Iranian political leaders are involved in negotiations, but Washington is unsure how Tehran makes decisions. He said some people in Iran want a deal while others are trying to sabotage one, and that President Trump would decide whether to resume military attacks.
3. Midterm focus
Asked about a possible 2028 presidential campaign, Vance said he had not thought much about it and was focused on winning the midterms and reelecting Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan.
