US Vice President JD Vance urges Iran to cut enrichment to end seven‑month war

Vance said a meaningful reduction in Iran's enrichment capacity is required for a settlement, amid ongoing fighting and Houthi attacks.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:24:06 GMT

U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Reuters that Iran must make a “meaningful” reduction in its nuclear enrichment capacity to end the seven‑month war, saying the step is a basic threshold for any agreement.

What happened

Vance made the remarks on Monday after a campaign trip in Alaska, emphasizing that the United States will not accept a nuclear‑weapon‑capable fuel level. He noted that 60% enriched uranium is unnecessary for a peaceful program and that highly enriched fuel should not be produced. The conflict, which began in February, has lasted about seven months and has disrupted global energy markets.

What the reports add

Reuters, as cited by the New York Post, reported Vance’s interview and his insistence that any deal must include a cut in enrichment capacity rather than vague future drawdowns. The Independent echoed the Reuters interview, adding that the United States remains uncertain how Tehran makes decisions in negotiations. Both outlets noted that President Donald Trump has rejected Tehran’s latest offer and warned of possible escalation after the U.S. midterm elections.

What was said

Vance said, “If you don’t want a nuclear weapon, then why do you need 60% enriched fuel? And if you want to show commitment to not building a nuclear weapon, don’t build highly enriched fuel. That’s a very basic threshold issue,” as reported by the New York Post (via Reuters). The Independent quoted the same passage verbatim.

How it came about

The demand follows a series of diplomatic overtures, including Iran’s seven‑day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz (Felo coverage) and ongoing U.S. feedback on cease‑fire proposals (Felo coverage). Earlier this month, President Trump signaled a pending decision on whether to strike Iran or pursue a peace deal (Felo coverage), while the war has already pushed Iran’s rial to record lows (Felo coverage). The conflict has also spilled into Yemen, where Houthi forces attacked Aden International Airport, prompting Saudi‑led coalition interceptions.

Key facts

Vice President JD Vance said Iran must cut its nuclear enrichment capacity to end the war (nypost.com)
The war has lasted about seven months and has affected global energy markets (independent.co.uk)
Vance quoted that 60% enriched fuel is unnecessary for a non‑nuclear‑weapon program (nypost.com)
President Donald Trump has rejected Tehran’s latest offer and warned of escalation after the midterms (independent.co.uk)