Vance has said Iran must make a meaningful reduction in its nuclear enrichment capacity to satisfy Washington’s demands and help end the seven-month war between the two countries.Iran nuclear enrichment remains a central obstacle in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. Vance told Reuters that Washington wants concrete steps from Tehran rather than assurances about possible future reductions.

Vance questioned Tehran’s need for uranium enriched to 60% if it does not intend to develop a nuclear weapon. He argued that reducing enrichment capacity would demonstrate a meaningful commitment to limiting Iran’s nuclear programme.Iran and the United States have exchanged proposals in recent weeks seeking to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments. President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s latest proposal and has warned that military operations could intensify.

Vance Says Iran Deal Requires Concrete Concessions

Vance said Washington remains willing to negotiate but stressed that any agreement requires tangible Iranian concessions. He has played a leading role in efforts to negotiate a settlement, including brokering a provisional peace agreement that quickly collapsed.Another complication is uncertainty in Washington over Iran’s decision-making process. Vance said the US is communicating with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi but remains uncertain about their authority within Iran’s power structure.

Iran has rejected suggestions that its decision-making structure is unclear. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said US officials understand how Iran’s system operates and instead accused Washington of sending contradictory messages.The conflict has also disrupted global energy markets, while tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have heightened concerns about international oil supplies.