JD Vance, US Vice President, Interview with NBC
"At War with Iran's Nuclear Program, Not Iran"
On June 22 (local time), US Vice President JD Vance cited the delay of Iran's nuclear program as an achievement of the US attack on key Iranian nuclear facilities the previous day, and stated that efforts would continue toward its permanent dismantlement in the future.
Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press" that day, Vice President Vance said, "We are very confident that we have significantly delayed their nuclear weapons development," adding, "That was the objective of this attack."
He emphasized, "The United States destroyed Iran's nuclear program. I believe we have set that program back significantly."
Regarding President Donald Trump's decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, Vice President Vance said, "It was not made lightly," and assessed that "this provides an opportunity to reset relations and negotiations with Iran."
He also stated that the US does not wish to deploy ground troops to Iran or pursue regime change, but instead seeks peace with an Iran that does not possess a nuclear weapons program. Vice President Vance stressed, "The United States is not at war with Iran, but at war with Iran's nuclear program."
Regarding the possibility of Iran retaliating by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, he predicted that it would be "an act of suicide." Vice President Vance said, "Their entire economy passes through the Strait of Hormuz," and added, "If they want to destroy their own economy and create chaos in the world, that would be their decision, but why would they do such a thing? I don't think it makes sense."
The Strait of Hormuz is a major oil transport route in the Middle East, with about one-fifth of the world's daily oil supply passing through this area. Global investment banks (IBs) forecast that if Iran blocks the strait or attacks oil tankers passing through it, oil prices could surpass $130 per barrel.
Previously, on the afternoon of the 21st Eastern Time, the United States attacked three major nuclear facilities in Iran: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. In a national address at the White House the previous day, President Trump described the attack as a "dramatic success," stating, "Iran's key uranium enrichment facilities have been completely and totally eliminated." He explained that the purpose of the attack was "to destroy Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities and to deter the nuclear threat posed by the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism."
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