Vice President JD Vance stated Sunday that the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran had significantly delayed Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, while emphasizing that America is not at war with Iran itself.
Speaking to ABC News, Vance revealed: “I don’t want to get into sensitive intelligence here, but we know that we set the Iranian nuclear program back substantially last night, whether it’s years or beyond.”
The Vice President drew a clear distinction in the conflict’s scope, stating: “We’re not at war with Iran — we’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program. And I think the president took decisive action to destroy that program last night.”
Vance’s comments follow Friday night’s precision strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, which the administration claims successfully degraded critical infrastructure. While not providing specific operational details, the Vice President suggested the damage could impact Iran’s nuclear timeline for years.
The remarks represent the administration’s most detailed public assessment of the strikes’ effectiveness since the operation, as officials seek to justify the military action amid growing international concern about regional escalation. Vance’s characterization of targeting only Iran’s nuclear program—not the nation itself—appears designed to contain potential backlash while asserting America’s nuclear nonproliferation objectives.
Global markets are bracing for potential Iranian retaliation, with oil prices already spiking amid concerns about Strait of Hormuz disruptions. The administration maintains diplomatic channels remain open, though Tehran has vowed “severe consequences” for the strikes.
