Vance: Iran talks in Doha “going well”; military options remain on table
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Washington: US Vice President JD Vance said negotiations with Iran in Doha were “going well” on Wednesday, but warned that the United States would not hesitate to use military force if Tehran resumed its nuclear programme or attacked commercial shipping.
Speaking to reporters before departing Naval Air Station Oceana, Vance said delegations from the United States, Iran, Qatar and other countries were discussing next steps following recent US strikes on Iranian targets. “Right now the talks are going well. It’s still pretty early, but talks are going well,” he said.
Vance said the immediate priority was ensuring the safe passage of commercial shipping through the region. He pointed to early signs of stabilisation in energy markets, saying oil had fallen to about $68 and gas prices were easing.
The vice-president said the administration favoured diplomacy but kept military options available. “The President’s not going to send our military back in unless he has to, unless there’s a clearly defined purpose for it,” Vance said, adding that any Iranian move to rebuild a nuclear programme, obstruct inspections, or resume attacks on commercial vessels would change Washington’s calculus.
Asked about internal divisions inside Iran, Vance said there appeared to be growing support within Tehran for improved ties with the West and Gulf states. He said the US saw “momentum for the people who are trying to turn over a new leaf” and would give diplomacy “as much of a chance to succeed as possible.”
Vance also touched on domestic topics, declining to speculate on the 2028 presidential race and criticising a recent Supreme Court birthright citizenship ruling by Justice Amy Coney Barrett as “a mistake,” which the administration would seek to address.
The Doha talks follow recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites and reflect a shift toward diplomatic engagement with Qatar acting as a mediator. Washington says it prefers diplomacy but will act to counter perceived threats to regional or global security.
(Inputs from IANS)