In an interview with The Washington PostVance clarified that the President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on further moves towards Iran, but that both military and diplomatic options are on the table.
“We prefer diplomacy, but everything depends on Iran,” Vance stressed during his return to Washington from an event in Wisconsin. He added that possible strikes could be aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, but that the White House still prioritizes diplomatic solutions.
“I think we all prefer the diplomatic option. But it really depends on what the Iranians do and say,” he said. Vance also pointed out that the idea that the US could wage war for years without a clear end is completely unfounded.
Skepticism towards foreign interventions
Vance, a 41-year-old veteran of the US Marine Corps who served in the war in Iraqhe recalled that even as a senator, he spoke critically about American involvement in Iraq. Today, he is still considered a skeptic of foreign military interventions, which he claims is also true of President Trump.
“Just because one president messed up a military conflict doesn’t mean America can never get involved in a military conflict again. We have to be careful, and I think the president is careful,” he said.
Tensions in the region and negotiations without a solution
Meanwhile, negotiations between the US and Iran continue in Genevabut so far without a concrete agreement. Talks should resume next week.
The US has deployed one of the largest military presences in the region in the last two decades, while the US embassy in Jerusalem enabled the voluntary departure of part of the staff due to security risks, and previously ordered the departure of non-essential staff from Beirut.
President Trump recently stated that regime change in Iran, i.e. the overthrow of the supreme leader, the Ayatollah, would But Khameneiwas “the best thing that could happen”.
Within the American conservative movement, there is an ongoing debate about the role of the US in the Middle East and its relationship to Israel. A section of younger conservatives is increasingly skeptical of continued military support for the American ally.
Vance said it is important to allow for differing opinions and debate within the party, stressing the importance of “exchange of ideas,” even with those with whom he disagrees. When asked if he could imagine participating in an administration considering regime change abroad, Vance replied with a smile:
“Life takes unexpected turns. But Donald Trump is president. America comes first, and he’s making policies that benefit the American people.”
His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions in the region and fears that any major operation against Iran could spark a wider conflict, something the administration is trying to avoid.
