“VP Vance: US At War With Iran’s Nuclear Program, Not Iran Itself”
TL/DR –
Vice President JD Vance clarified that the US is not at war with Iran, but rather with its nuclear weapons program, following the US attack on three Iranian nuclear sites. However, he could not guarantee with 100% certainty that these sites had been completely destroyed, instead asserting that their nuclear capabilities had been considerably impeded. The VP’s comments came amidst concerns about a wider conflict after Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel, while the situation also stirred debate in the US along party lines, with some claiming that Congressional approval was required for the president to authorize military attacks.
US Vice President JD Vance Discusses Iran’s Nuclear Program Attack
Vice President JD Vance stressed on Sunday that the recent American military action was not against Iran, but against Tehran’s nuclear weapons program. He refrained from confirming whether all of Iran’s nuclear sites had been utterly destroyed.
On NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Vance clarified the US’s position following the recent military action on three Iranian nuclear sites. This marks the first direct attack by the U.S. on Iran, initiating concerns about potential escalation of conflict.
Iran responded with retaliatory strikes on Israel, causing significant damage in Tel Aviv. For live updates on the situation, follow our coverage.
Vance expressed confidence that the attack had “substantially delayed” Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon, but did not confirm the total destruction of Iran’s nuclear sites.
Donald Trump previously stated that the targeted facilities were “completely and totally obliterated”. However, conflicting reports from Iranian officials suggest the Fordo facility wasn’t seriously damaged in the strike.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine also commented on the damage assessment, indicating severe damage and destruction at all three sites.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Iran “reserves all options” for response, while President Trump warned Iran against retaliation on his Truth Social account.
On the possibility of Iran disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Vance stated that such a move would be detrimental to Iran’s own economy.
The VP maintained that the US seeks peace with Iran, given that they do not possess a nuclear weapons program. He highlighted that the fault lies with Iran for not giving diplomacy a chance.
Following Israel’s earlier strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the US initially denied involvement. However, discussions on US military support for Israel ensued.
Partisan division marked the president’s decision to conduct the strikes, with several lawmakers arguing the action was unconstitutional without Congressional approval. Yet, some GOP lawmakers brushed off these concerns.
Before the strikes, the President faced dissent from his MAGA movement allies over US military involvement with Iran, leading to public disagreements on social media.
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