U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has voiced confidence in America's strength in dealings with Iran, asserting that Washington will emerge victorious whether or not ongoing negotiations with Tehran culminate in a final agreement.
In an interview with journalist Bill Maher, Vance noted that reaching an agreement would be a positive outcome. However, he emphasized that failing to do so would not alter the fact that Iran’s nuclear program has faced significant setbacks, rendering Iran, in his words, "much weaker as a nation." He added, "America wins in any scenario."
The Vice President pointed to declining oil prices and the resumption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as indicators of the success of President Donald Trump's administration's approach. He explained that the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran focuses on ensuring freedom of navigation, the continuous flow of oil, and maintaining a ceasefire.
Vance confirmed that the U.S. has offered Iran a chance to fundamentally change its relationship with the West, noting that Washington is prepared to reshape its ties with Tehran if it abandons destabilizing policies and nuclear weapon ambitions.
Conversely, he underscored that the United States holds "all the cards" should Iran not comply with these demands.
Vance's remarks come amid a challenging ceasefire, with new military strikes exchanged between the two sides. The U.S. carried out airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites in response to an attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, to which Iran responded with drone strikes targeting Bahrain. These developments raise questions about the future of negotiations and the provisional truce between the parties.