Key facts
- US Vice President JD Vance stated the US holds all the cards in negotiations with Iran.
- Vance claimed the US wins regardless of the outcome, citing Iran's weakened nuclear program.
- A ceasefire memorandum of understanding between Donald Trump and Iran's president is in place.
- A tanker was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to US and Iranian strikes.
- Vance defended Richard Nixon's historical legacy.
US Vice President JD Vance asserted that the United States holds a superior position in its dealings with Iran, stating that the US emerges victorious regardless of the outcome of negotiations. Vance's comments, made on HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' highlighted the perceived destruction of Iran's nuclear program and its overall weakening as a nation.
Vance explained that if a final deal is reached, it would be beneficial, but if not, Iran's nuclear capabilities would remain compromised, and the country would continue to be weaker. He pointed to the "increased flow of oil through the strait of Hormuz" as an indicator of significant developments. However, he acknowledged that the "ceasefire deal" between Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, established under a 60-day memorandum of understanding, is inherently complex.
His remarks preceded reports of a projectile striking a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, which led to retaliatory strikes by both the US and Iran, marking the most significant escalation since the interim peace agreement. Washington confirmed it targeted Iranian sites, while Iran stated it struck targets associated with US forces.
During his appearance, which also served to promote his memoir, Vance discussed his negotiations with an Iranian delegation in Switzerland, claiming success due to a lower oil price of "$73 a barrel" and the "functionally destroyed" state of Iran's nuclear program, particularly its uranium enrichment capabilities. Critics, however, argue that the Trump administration is negotiating from a position of weakness, citing Iran's continued possession of 60%-enriched uranium.
Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), noted that reducing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile or transferring it abroad remains a feasible option while a comprehensive agreement is pursued. Vance countered claims about Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing that its ability to enrich uranium has been eliminated. He offered a potential transformation of US-Iran relations if Iran abandons its nuclear weapons ambitions, but stressed that the US retains all leverage if Iran does not change its stance.
Separately, Vance also commented on the legacy of Richard Nixon, suggesting his historical standing is being re-evaluated positively, and addressed immigration enforcement policies, stating there was no easy way to conduct such operations.