Vice President JD Vance laid out the Trump administration’s stance on upcoming U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, signaling a hardline approach to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions while hinting at broader diplomatic openings with global powers like Russia and China. Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington, D.C., Vance emphasized that President Donald Trump is laser-focused on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, calling it a non-negotiable red line.

The fourth round of nuclear negotiations with Iran is set to kick off in Oman soon, coinciding with Trump’s Middle East tour to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Vance criticized the 2015 JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) as a flawed agreement that failed to block Iran’s path to a bomb. He pointed to its weak inspection protocols and provisions that, in his view, preserved Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, allowing it to inch toward weaponization. “Iran’s on a glide path,” Vance warned, arguing the deal let Tehran bide its time.

The administration’s goal? A deal that reintegrates Iran into the global economy while ensuring a “complete cessation” of its nuclear weapons program. Vance framed it as a win-win for Iranians but cautioned that failure—Option B—would be “very bad for everybody.” Option C, Iran going nuclear, is off the table. Trump doubled down on this in a recent NBC interview, demanding total dismantlement of Iran’s program.

Beyond Iran, Vance revealed Trump’s openness to future talks with Russia and China to curb global nuclear proliferation. “If Iran gets a bomb, who’s next?” he asked, warning of a domino effect across the Middle East. He stressed that letting Iran tip the scales could spark a regional arms race—a disaster for U.S. allies and global stability.

Vance gave a cautious nod to the Oman-hosted talks, grading progress as “so far, so good.” He clarified that while civil nuclear power for Iran is acceptable, enrichment programs that could lead to weapons are not. “No regime has civil nuclear power and enrichment without a bomb,” he said, drawing a firm line.

In a related move, Trump announced a pause in U.S. military strikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, who recently signaled a desire to de-escalate after months of attacks, including a missile strike near an Israeli airport. Trump also teased a “very big announcement” tied to his Middle East trip, keeping details under wraps but fueling speculation about its scope.

Nuclear Proliferation News

Vance: Trump Eyes Tough Iran Nuclear Deal, Open to Russia and China Talks