United States Vice President, JD Vance has reaffirmed Washington’s opposition to Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, saying the United States will continue to use diplomatic, economic and security measures to counter what it considers threats from Tehran.
Speaking at a policy event in Washington, Vance said the US would not allow Iran to advance towards developing a nuclear weapon or threaten American partners without consequences.
He said the administration was working with its allies on a coordinated strategy aimed at increasing pressure on Iran while retaining the option of taking further action if necessary.
Vance said the US approach included cooperation with European and Gulf partners over Iran’s nuclear activities and its support for regional proxy groups.
He also pointed to plans to target Iran’s oil exports, drone programme and entities associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps through additional sanctions.
According to the Vice President, Washington would also maintain a military presence in the region to protect commercial shipping routes and US personnel.
The comments came amid renewed international concern over Iran’s uranium-enrichment activities and reported attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Gulf.
US officials have also continued to accuse Iran of supporting armed proxy groups operating in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, which Washington says contributes to instability across the region.
Iran, however, rejected the latest comments from Vance. The country’s Foreign Ministry described the US approach as a continuation of what it called a failed policy based on pressure and threats.
Meanwhile, US Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut called for congressional involvement should the administration consider any further military escalation.
Murphy argued that Washington needed a strategy focused on reducing regional risks rather than relying primarily on rhetoric.
Analysts said Vance’s reference to the use of “all tools” appeared intended to demonstrate US resolve while preserving flexibility over the specific measures Washington could take against Iran.
Vance also disclosed that US officials from the State and Defense departments were expected to brief allies in Europe and the Middle East the following week.
He added that the administration was reviewing additional sanctions targeting Iranian entities as part of its broader strategy to increase pressure on Tehran.