J. D. Vance has warned that the United States is prepared to restart military operations against Iran if diplomatic negotiations fail, saying Washington remains “locked and loaded” while insisting that Tehran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.
Speaking during a press conference at the White House on Tuesday, Vance said the administration of Donald Trump still believes Iran is interested in reaching a deal, but stressed that diplomacy would not come at the expense of US security objectives.
“We think the Iranians want to make a deal. The president of the United States has asked us to negotiate in good faith. And that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Vance said.
US Says Iran Nuclear Weapon Could Spark Global Arms Race
The vice president argued that allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon could trigger a dangerous chain reaction across the world, particularly in the Gulf region.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Vance said.
He warned that if Tehran succeeds in acquiring nuclear capability, several other countries could begin pursuing their own nuclear arsenals.
“Iran would really be the first domino in what would set off a nuclear arms race all over the world,” he said.
According to Vance, countries across the Gulf and beyond would likely seek nuclear weapons of their own if Iran crossed that threshold.
“If the Iranians did get a nuclear weapon, we know that a lot of nations all across the Gulf would then want their own nuclear weapon, and then a lot of nations all across the world,” he added.
‘Locked And Loaded’: Vance Issues Military Warning
Vance revealed that he had met Trump shortly before the press conference and said the president remained willing to use military force if necessary.
“So as the president just told me, we’re locked and loaded,” Vance said.
He clarified that the White House still prefers diplomacy but warned that military action remains a live option.
“We don’t want to go down that pathway. But the president is willing and able to go down that pathway if we have to,” he added.
The remarks came just one day after Trump reportedly delayed a decision on resuming strikes against Iran following requests from Gulf allies including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, who indicated that Tehran was behaving “reasonably” during peace discussions.
Washington Pushes Two-Path Strategy
Vance said the US currently sees two possible paths forward in dealing with Iran.
The first is a negotiated settlement ensuring Tehran never develops nuclear weapons capability.
The second, he said, involves restarting military operations.
“There’s an option B, and the option B is that we could restart the military campaign to continue to prosecute the case, to continue to try to achieve America’s objectives,” Vance said.
However, he maintained that neither Washington nor Tehran appears eager for further escalation.
“But that’s not what the president wants. And I don’t think it’s what the Iranians want either,” he said.
Vance Speaks About Risks To Future Generations
During the briefing, Vance also framed the issue in personal terms, saying the spread of nuclear weapons would create a more dangerous world for future generations.
“As the father of three young kids, I don’t want them to inherit a world where 20 additional regimes — half of them very dangerous and very sympathetic to terrorists — have nuclear weapons,” he said.
He added that beyond the direct threat of nuclear use, the US is also concerned about Iran leveraging nuclear capability for political and economic influence.
US Sees Opportunity For Reset With Iran
Despite the strong warning, Vance said there remains a chance for improved ties between Washington and Tehran if both sides commit to diplomacy.
“There’s an opportunity to reset the Washington-Tehran relationship, but it takes two to tango,” he said.
The comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and continued international focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and the possibility of renewed military escalation.