Vice President JD Vance made clear this week that the Trump administration intends to press forward with diplomacy in its high-stakes standoff with Iran, even as American warships and aircraft continue to reposition across the Middle East.
In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Vance underscored that President Donald Trump remains committed to preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon—but prefers talks to military action if that objective can be achieved peacefully.
“The President has been as crystal clear as he could be—Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Vance said. “He’s going to try to accomplish it diplomatically.”
The comments follow Trump’s February 24 State of the Union address, where the president devoted most of his speech to domestic priorities but briefly addressed Iran. Trump reiterated that he would not allow the “world’s number one sponsor of terror” to obtain nuclear arms, while emphasizing that negotiations remain underway. According to the president, Iran has signaled interest in a deal but has not yet accepted key U.S. demands, including explicit commitments against weaponization.
The next round of indirect U.S.-Iran talks is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland, with mediation provided by Oman. The discussions mark the latest attempt to rein in Iran’s nuclear program, which U.S. officials say has advanced considerably in recent years despite prior diplomatic setbacks.
Analysts are divided on whether the Geneva meeting will produce meaningful progress. George Pollack of Signum Global Advisors told CNBC the talks could open additional diplomatic pathways, describing Trump’s strategy as an effort to project resolve while positioning himself for a negotiated outcome. Others warn that time is short, and financial markets have begun pricing in the possibility of disruption if the negotiations falter.
The diplomacy is unfolding against an unmistakable military backdrop. The United States has expanded its naval and air presence in and around the Persian Gulf, a move widely interpreted as both deterrent and leverage. The buildup has heightened concerns about escalation, particularly in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Energy markets have responded accordingly. Oil prices have risen in recent sessions as traders weigh the risk of supply interruptions tied to Iran, a significant OPEC producer. Even the perception of instability in the Gulf can ripple quickly through global markets, underscoring the stakes of the current talks.
On the Iranian side, officials have voiced cautious optimism. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said an agreement is “within reach” if both sides prioritize negotiations. At the same time, Tehran continues to insist that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and maintains what it calls its sovereign right to civilian nuclear technology.
For now, the administration’s posture blends diplomatic engagement with firm red lines. The message is clear: Washington prefers a negotiated settlement but is prepared to escalate pressure if talks fail.
