Iran – Vance Says US Will Avoid Prolonged Middle East War
Iran – The United States is seeking to prevent escalation in the Middle East while weighing options on Iran’s nuclear programme.-
Vice President JD Vance has said the United States will not be drawn into an extended military conflict in the Middle East, even as President Donald Trump considers potential action aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Speaking to The Washington Post during a flight aboard Air Force Two, Vance made clear that although military measures remain under review, he does not foresee a scenario in which the United States becomes entangled in a long-running regional war.
He emphasized that fears of an open-ended conflict lasting years are unfounded, stressing that such an outcome is not something the administration anticipates.
Military and Diplomatic Paths Under Review
According to Vance, the White House is evaluating multiple approaches to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities. These range from targeted military strikes designed to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon to continued diplomatic engagement aimed at resolving the standoff without force.
While declining to predict the president’s final decision, Vance indicated that diplomacy remains the preferred route. However, he added that the direction of talks will largely depend on Iran’s actions and its willingness to compromise.
Negotiations between American and Iranian officials resumed Thursday in Geneva, where mediators reported that discussions were ongoing but had yet to produce a breakthrough. Talks are expected to continue next week. Meanwhile, the United States has bolstered its military presence in the region, a move viewed by analysts as both a deterrent and a signal of readiness should negotiations falter.
Trump’s Position on Iran’s Leadership
President Trump has publicly floated the idea that political change in Tehran could serve US interests, including remarks suggesting that the removal of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, might ultimately benefit the region. Such comments have added another layer of complexity to already sensitive diplomatic efforts.
Despite that rhetoric, Vance framed the administration’s broader strategy as cautious and deliberate. A Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq, the 41-year-old vice president has previously expressed reservations about extensive foreign military interventions. On Thursday, he reaffirmed that perspective, describing himself as skeptical of prolonged overseas conflicts.
He also characterized Trump as focused on domestic priorities, arguing that the president’s decisions are guided by what he sees as the best interests of American citizens.
Avoiding Past Mistakes
Vance acknowledged that US history in the Middle East has shaped public debate. The United States has maintained a substantial military footprint in the region for more than two decades, particularly following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Successive administrations have faced pressure to avoid repeating the costly and complex engagements that followed.
At the same time, Vance cautioned against drawing overly rigid conclusions from previous conflicts. He suggested that while caution is necessary, past missteps should not prevent policymakers from considering military options when national security is at stake.
Divisions Within Conservative Ranks
Debate over America’s role in the Middle East has also intensified within conservative circles. Differences have emerged over how closely Washington should align with Israel and how assertive US policy toward Iran should be.
Vance said that a range of voices within the Republican coalition should have space in that discussion. He pointed to the diversity of perspectives that shaped the party’s recent electoral base, arguing that open debate strengthens the movement rather than weakens it.
He described the evolving conversation as essential for shaping long-term foreign policy priorities, noting that disagreement does not undermine unity but reflects the breadth of opinion within the party.
A Region on Edge
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have ebbed and flowed for years, largely centered on Iran’s nuclear programme and its influence across the Middle East. European-led diplomatic efforts have repeatedly sought to limit Iran’s nuclear development in exchange for sanctions relief, though progress has often stalled.
As talks continue in Geneva, officials on both sides face mounting pressure to find a path that reduces the risk of escalation. With US forces positioned across key locations in the region and political rhetoric running high, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether diplomacy prevails or tensions deepen further.