US war is with nuke programme, not Iran; Washington still open to diplomacy: J.D. Vance

IANS June 23, 2025 417 views

US Vice President JD Vance emphasized America's strikes specifically targeted Iran's nuclear facilities rather than seeking regime change. He maintained diplomatic channels remain open while warning Tehran against retaliatory actions. The administration claims significant damage to key nuclear sites at Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow. Meanwhile, Secretary Rubio warned China about potential Hormuz Strait disruptions while threatening severe consequences for Iranian counterattacks.

"We're not at war with Iran, we're at war with Iran's nuclear programme" - JD Vance
New York, June 22: US Vice-President J.D. Vance declared on Sunday that his country was not at war with Iran but only with its nuclear programme, leaving the door open for diplomacy.

Key Points

1

Vance insists US strikes only targeted nuclear facilities

2

Rules out regime change but warns against Iranian retaliation

3

Leaves door open for diplomatic resolution

4

Downplays reports of Hormuz Strait blockade

President Donald Trump was certain to respond if Tehran was interested in a peaceful settlement.

"We're not at war with Iran," Vance told two interviewers using identical words.

"We're at war with Iran's nuclear programme."

Speaking on the morning after "Operation Midnight Hammer" attacking Tehran's three nuclear facilities, Vance told ABC News, "I think the President took decisive action to destroy that programme last night."

He ruled out trying to topple the Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"We don't want to achieve regime change," he said on ABC News.

On the possibility of a peaceful solution, Vance told NBC News, "We didn't blow up diplomacy," but "diplomacy never was given a real chance by the Iranians".

He said sarcastically, "The Iranians are clearly not very good at war."

"Perhaps they should follow President Trump's lead and give peace a chance," he added.

"If they're serious about it, I guarantee you the President of the United States is too," he said.

He was ambivalent about the extent of the destruction of the three nuclear facilities at Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow, which Trump said on Sunday night had been "completely and totally obliterated".

Asked on ABC News if he was certain about it, Vance said, "Severely damaged versus obliterated -- I'm not exactly sure what the difference is. What we know is we set their (Iran's) nuclear programme back substantially."

"They are much further away from the nuclear programme today than they were 24 hours ago," he added.

Vance was dismissive of reports that Iran's Parliament has endorsed a move to close the Strait of Hormuz, the jugular in international energy trade.

He told NBC, "If they want to destroy their own economy and cause disruptions in the world, I think that would be their decision."

"But why would they do that? I don't think it makes any sense," he said.

However, on a Fox News programme, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asked China to intervene to keep the strait open.

"I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil," he said.

Rubio issued a deadly warning to Iran against retaliating against the US.

"It'll be the worst mistake they've ever made."

"We're not looking for war in Iran, but if they attack us, then I think we have capabilities they haven't even seen yet," he said.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
The US-Iran tensions affect global oil prices which directly impacts our economy. While non-proliferation is important, such military actions create instability in our neighborhood. Hope diplomacy prevails before this escalates further. 🙏
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Priya M.
Interesting how China is being asked to mediate when they have their own tensions with US. As an Indian, I wonder why our diplomatic channels aren't being utilized more - we have good relations with both Iran and US. Maybe time for Modi ji to offer mediation?
A
Amit S.
The US says they don't want regime change but destroying nuclear facilities is an act of war. This hypocrisy reminds me of Iraq war claims. India should stay neutral and focus on protecting our interests in the region, especially with Chabahar port development.
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Neha T.
The mention of Strait of Hormuz is worrying. 70% of our oil imports pass through there! Government should accelerate strategic petroleum reserves and alternative energy sources. Can't let India's growth be held hostage to foreign conflicts. #EnergySecurity
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Vikram J.
While nuclear non-proliferation is crucial, unilateral military actions set dangerous precedents. What if China decides to attack our nuclear facilities claiming similar reasons? The world needs consistent rules, not might-is-right policies.
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Sunita R.
The sarcastic tone from US officials isn't helpful. India has shown how to deal with neighbors firmly but respectfully (except when provoked like Pulwama). Hope both sides de-escalate - ordinary Iranians shouldn't suffer for government decisions.

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Tags:
JD Vance Iran nuclear program US Iran relations Operation Midnight Hammer Strait of Hormuz