Vance Sets Nuclear Enrichment Cut as Key Condition for Ending Iran Conflict

US Vice President JD Vance has said Iran must make a significant reduction in its nuclear enrichment capabilities if Washington is to agree to an end to the seven-month conflict, setting out one of the administration's central conditions for a potential settlement.

In an interview with Reuters, Vance said the United States was looking for concrete action from Tehran rather than assurances that Iran would reduce its nuclear programme at a later stage.

Washington Wants Concrete Nuclear Concessions

Vance questioned why Iran would need uranium enriched to 60 percent if it does not intend to develop a nuclear weapon. He said Tehran would need to demonstrate its position by making a meaningful reduction in its enrichment capacity.

The vice president said Washington would not accept an agreement based only on verbal commitments. The United States, he indicated, wants measurable changes to Iran's nuclear programme as part of any deal to end the conflict.

US And Iran Continue Indirect Negotiations

Washington and Tehran have exchanged proposals in recent weeks as both sides explore possible ways to stop the fighting and restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's latest proposal, while also warning that US military operations could intensify after the November midterm elections. Vance said the United States nevertheless remained open to reaching an agreement if Iran makes the required concessions.

Washington Questions Decision-Making In Tehran

Vance also said US officials remain uncertain about how decisions are being made within Iran's current power structure.

He said Washington is communicating with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi but is unsure about the extent of their authority following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the opening phase of the conflict.

Iran has rejected the suggestion that its decision-making structure is unclear. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said US officials know their Iranian counterparts and understand how the country's political system operates.

Strait Of Hormuz Remains Part Of Negotiations

The future of the Strait of Hormuz is another major issue in the negotiations. Iran and the United States have discussed arrangements for reopening the strategic waterway, through which a significant share of global energy supplies traditionally passes.

Iran has said the strait will not fully reopen until conditions it has set are met, while Washington has sought greater freedom of navigation and an end to Iranian restrictions on shipping.

Conflict Creates Pressure Ahead Of US Elections

The prolonged conflict has also affected global energy markets, with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz contributing to higher fuel prices.

Vance acknowledged that the conflict has become a political issue for the Trump administration and Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections. The war is estimated to be costing the United States billions of dollars each month, while higher energy prices have increased pressure on the administration.

For now, Washington continues to leave the door open to negotiations, but Vance's comments make clear that a substantial reduction in Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity remains a key US demand for ending the conflict.