We will not allow Iran march toward a nuclear weapon — Vance

By Vera Anyagafu with agency report

US Vice President, JD Vance has reiterated the US stance against Iran, saying, “We are not going to allow Iran to march toward a nuclear weapon, and we are not going to allow them to threaten our partners with impunity.”

Speaking at a policy event in Washington, Vance said the administration is coordinating diplomatic, economic, and security measures with allies to pressure Iran while keeping the option of further action available, declaring that the US will use all tools at its disposal to confront Tehran.

He also outlined the approach as working with European and Gulf partners on a coordinated response to Iran’s nuclear activities and regional proxies, targeting Iran’s oil exports, drone program, and entities linked to the Revolutionary Guard with sanctions, and maintaining a US military presence in the region to protect shipping lanes and American personnel.

The remarks came amid renewed concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment and recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf.

US officials have also cited Iranian support for proxy groups in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon as a key driver of instability.

However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry had dismissed Vance’s remarks, calling them, “the same failed policy of pressure and threats.”

Speaking in his capacity as US Senator, Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said Congress must be involved in any escalation and stressed, “We need a strategy that actually reduces risk, not just rhetoric.”

Analysts also stated that the phrase ‘all tools’ is deliberately broad, meant to signal resolve to Tehran while keeping options open for the administration.

Vance said Secretary of State and Defense officials will brief allies in Europe and the Middle East next week, and that the administration is reviewing additional sanctions designations.