Vance: US will avoid prolonged Iran war

US Vice President JD Vance said President Donald Trump is considering potential military action against Iran, yet firmly dismissed the prospect of a drawn-out conflict in the Middle East. Speaking as indirect nuclear talks continue in Geneva, Vance stressed that any US decision would prioritise preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while avoiding another prolonged regional war.

Diplomacy or military option?

In an interview with The Washington Post, Vance acknowledged that the administration is reviewing a range of scenarios, from targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities to a diplomatic settlement. “The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen,” he said, underscoring that negotiations remain preferable if they can deliver concrete guarantees.

Republican debate on Middle East policy

A Marine Corps veteran who previously criticised the Iraq War, Vance described himself as cautious about foreign interventions. He suggested that Trump shares a similar scepticism toward open-ended military engagements. The vice president also pointed to growing discussion within conservative circles over US strategy in the Middle East, including relations with Israel. Referring to a recent exchange between Tucker Carlson and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Vance characterised the debate as necessary for shaping the American right’s long-term foreign policy outlook.

Rising tensions amid Geneva talks

The remarks come as US–Iran negotiations continue in Geneva, Switzerland, under heightened security conditions. Washington has expanded its military footprint in the Middle East to levels not seen since before the Iraq War, reflecting contingency planning even as diplomacy proceeds. Trump has publicly floated the idea of regime change in Tehran, calling it “the best thing that could happen,” a statement that has drawn international attention.

For Türkiye, which has historically advocated diplomatic engagement and regional stability, the evolving US–Iran dynamic carries significant implications. Ankara has consistently emphasised de-escalation and dialogue in addressing nuclear disputes and broader Middle East security concerns.