The USA set a condition for peace with Iran: 'It will reduce its nuclear capacity'

US Vice President J.D. Vance said Iran's "meaningful" reduction in its nuclear enrichment capacity is one of Washington's key conditions.

Vance stated that if this step is taken, an agreement to end the war that has been going on for about 7 months may be possible.

Vance, who gave an exclusive interview to Reuters, emphasized that Washington expects concrete steps from Tehran, not just future commitments.

Vance stated that Iran must show that it does not want to develop nuclear weapons, and said that reducing its uranium enrichment capacity will be a basic indicator in this regard.

Questioning why Iran needs 60 percent enriched uranium, Vance stated that if Tehran wants to show that it is serious about not developing nuclear weapons, it must make a concrete and meaningful reduction in its enrichment capacity.

OFFER TRAFFIC BETWEEN THE USA AND IRAN

It has been reported that the USA and Iran have made mutual offers in recent weeks aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global energy trade.

It was stated that US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran's latest offer and additionally warned that military operations may intensify after the midterm elections.

Vance, on the other hand, said Washington is open to an agreement, but Iran must make concrete concessions on its nuclear program.

Giving the message, "We will not accept just words in return for action," Vance stated that it was imperative for Iran to take actual steps.

Vance suggested that one of the problems facing the negotiations is uncertainty regarding the decision-making mechanism in Iran.

Stating that the USA is in contact with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi, Vance stated that it is not clear to Washington to what extent these names have authority within Iran's current administrative structure.

It was stated that uncertainties regarding the decision-making mechanism in the country increased after the killing of Iran's religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the joint attacks carried out by the USA and Israel at the beginning of the war.

In his statement on Tuesday, Trump described not knowing who makes the decisions in Iran as one of the biggest problems.

RESPONSE FROM IRAN TO THE USA

Iran's Foreign Ministry opposed Washington's claims.

Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi argued that US officials know their interlocutors in Iran and how the country's decision-making system works.

Bekayi said that the real problem is the contradictory statements and different messages coming from the US administration.

While it is stated that the monthly cost of the war to the USA has reached approximately 3 billion dollars, the conflict's increase in energy prices increases the political pressure on the Trump administration and Republicans before the midterm elections in November.

Vance said Iranian forces were able to hit commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz from time to time, but could not completely stop energy exports.

Vance, who did not directly answer the question of whether he was leading the peace talks, stated that they were actively involved in the process, but the final decisions were made by President Trump.

ASKED ABOUT 2028 CANDIDACY

During his contacts in Alaska, Vance also attended an election event held in support of Republican Senator Dan Sullivan.

Asked whether he would be a candidate in the 2028 presidential elections, Vance said that he had not yet decided on the issue and did not think much about it.