‘Iran now incapable of constructing nuclear weapons’: US Vice President JD Vance


US Vice President Vance stated that Iran is now incapable of creating a nuclear weapon, following current US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear services. The assertion marks a possible turning level within the long-standing nuclear standoff, with Washington now urging a diplomatic path ahead.

Washington:

US Vice President JD Vance on Monday stated Iran is now incapable of creating a nuclear weapon utilizing its current gear, following focused US and Israeli strikes on key nuclear services. His assertion marks a strategic shift from army confrontation to renewed diplomatic engagement. Talking to Fox Information, Vance stated, “Iran was very near having a nuclear weapon. Now Iran is incapable of constructing a nuclear weapon with the gear they’ve as a result of we destroyed it.”

The remarks got here two days after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and hours after US-led bunker-busting airstrikes hit important nuclear enrichment websites at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. In response to Vance, the operation has “set again Tehran’s capabilities by years” by dismantling centrifuges and destroying superior enrichment infrastructure.

On NBC’s Meet the Press, Vance clarified that the US doesn’t search conflict with Iran however goals to remove its nuclear menace. “We’re not at conflict with Iran. We’re at conflict with Iran’s nuclear programme,” he stated. He added that President Donald Trump stays open to diplomacy and that the main target is now on securing a peaceable rollback of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

No intent to pursue regime change

President Trump, in a Saturday night time deal with from the White Home, stated the US needs Iran to desert its nuclear programme peacefully and that army intervention was by no means aimed toward regime change.

Whereas the destruction of infrastructure is confirmed, considerations persist over Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. Intelligence stories recommend that among the materials could have been hid, buried or transported overseas earlier than the strikes. “We nonetheless don’t know the place it’s,” Vance admitted.

Considerations stay over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile

The Worldwide Atomic Vitality Company (IAEA) has additionally been unable to confirm the placement of Iran’s gas stockpile. In its newest decision earlier this month, the IAEA declared Iran “non-compliant” for the primary time in 20 years, citing lack of transparency over undeclared materials.

Vance maintained that any effort by Iran to rebuild its programme will likely be met with drive. “If they struggle once more, they must cope with a really, very highly effective American army,” he stated.

The coordinated strikes and the following diplomatic messaging characterize a transparent recalibration of US technique neutralising Iran’s enrichment functionality with out escalating right into a broader battle. Analysts say the developments haven’t solely altered Iran’s nuclear timeline but additionally opened a restricted window for potential negotiations with Western powers.