US – Vance: Reducing uranium enrichment is a condition for a deal with Iran

US Vice President JD Vance said Iran must make a “meaningful” reduction in its uranium enrichment capacity if a deal to end the war between the US and Iran is to be reached.

In an interview with Reuters, Vance said Washington wants concrete actions from Tehran, not just promises, to limit its nuclear programme.

According to him, the main US goal is to ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons and to prevent the further spread of nuclear weapons in the region.

Vance focused in particular on uranium enrichment at the 60% level.

He argued that such a level of enrichment is not necessary for ordinary energy production and that Iran must take concrete steps to show it does not intend to produce nuclear weapons.

Uranium enriched to 60% is below the roughly 90% level considered suitable for use in nuclear weapons, but it is far higher than the levels usually needed to generate electricity in nuclear power plants.

According to Vance, the US and Iran are in contact over the possibility of a deal, but the process is complicated.

He said US President Donald Trump continues to direct American policy and that Vance and other officials are working to implement his instructions.

Vance’s statements mark an important change in the wording of American demands.

President Trump and other US officials had previously demanded that Iran carry out no uranium enrichment at all.

Vance, meanwhile, spoke of a “meaningful” reduction in enrichment capacity, without demanding in this interview the complete removal of all enrichment capacity.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has meanwhile reiterated that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.

The issue of the nuclear programme and uranium enrichment remains one of the main points in discussions to end the conflict.

According to the latest reports, the US-Iran war has entered its eighth month and has caused major consequences in the region, including tensions in maritime transport and in international fuel markets.

However, there is still no final agreement to end the war.

The issue of uranium enrichment, how Iran’s commitments would be verified, and the other demands of both sides remain part of the negotiations.