Vance Warns U.S. Could Resume Iran Operations If Tehran Rebuilds Nuclear Program

The vice president said Washington is pursuing a permanent agreement with Iran but warned that renewed nuclear work or attacks on commercial vessels could change the U.S. approach.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that the United States could resume active military operations against Iran if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear program or renews attacks on commercial shipping.

The warning came as Washington and Tehran remain in a fragile ceasefire period following months of conflict that began in late February. The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding last month extending the ceasefire for 60 days while negotiators work toward a permanent agreement.

Vance, who has played a leading role in the talks, said the Trump administration is still pursuing diplomacy but that Iran’s conduct will determine whether the United States changes course.

“If we’ve got to do more of course, that’s kind of up to the Iranians. If they try to rebuild their nuclear program, if they try to start shooting at commercial vessels again, that’s going to change our calculus,” Vance told reporters. “But right now what the president has said is, go and make a deal, go and negotiate in good faith, and that’s what he’s empowered us to do.”

The war has been under a nominal ceasefire for several weeks, though intermittent flare-ups have continued. The administration has sought to convert the temporary halt in fighting into a durable agreement that addresses Iran’s nuclear program and regional hostilities.

The 60-day MOU gives negotiators a limited window to reach broader terms. Vance said President Donald Trump has instructed his team to pursue a deal and negotiate in good faith.

Diplomatic efforts have been complicated by continued fighting in Lebanon. Iran has argued that the initial ceasefire was intended to apply to all theaters of the conflict, not just direct exchanges between Washington and Tehran.

Vance’s remarks indicate the administration is keeping military options available while negotiations continue. The vice president said the United States is willing to keep talking, but he made clear that renewed Iranian nuclear activity or attacks on commercial vessels could prompt a return to combat operations.