JD Vance backs Trump’s Iran strategy, says America ‘wins either way’

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance said the United States is in a commanding position in its negotiations with Iran, arguing that America will come out ahead whether or not the two countries ultimately reach a long-term agreement.

Speaking on Friday, June 26, Vance maintained that Iran's nuclear program has already been weakened and said the US now holds the advantage.

During an appearance on HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' Vance discussed the ongoing talks, recent military tensions, and the Trump administration's broader strategy toward Iran, insisting Washington has little to lose in the current negotiations.

JD Vance touts US leverage in Iran talks

Vance expressed confidence that the United States is negotiating from a position of strength, saying Iran has already been significantly weakened.

"If we make the final deal, then great," Vance said. "If we don't make the final deal, their nuclear program is still destroyed. They're still much weaker as a country, so my attitude is America wins either way."

He also pointed to increased oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz as evidence that diplomatic efforts may be making progress.

Vance said the increased flow of oil was "a signal that there's something real going on." At the same time, he acknowledged that negotiations with Tehran would not be straightforward.

"But," he added, "the ceasefire deal between Donald Trump and the Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, under a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MOU), is always going to be a little messy when you're dealing with the Iranians."

JD Vance defends Trump's Iran strategy

Vance made the remarks while promoting his new memoir, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith, though much of the interview centered on foreign policy.

He said discussions with an Iranian delegation in Lucerne, Switzerland, had been encouraging and cited falling oil prices as another positive sign.

According to Vance, oil is now "down to $73 a barrel" while Iran's nuclear program has been "functionally destroyed," referring specifically to its uranium enrichment capabilities.

Critics of the memorandum of understanding, however, argue the Trump administration still faces challenges because Iran continues to possess a stockpile of 60%-enriched uranium, even if access to it may be limited.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's Director General Rafael Grossi also said on Friday that reducing Iran's uranium stockpile or transferring it abroad remains an option as negotiations continue.

JD Vance says Iran's enrichment capability destroyed

When host Bill Maher questioned whether Iran's nuclear program had truly been dismantled, Vance firmly defended the administration's position.

"What part of it is not destroyed?" he replied. "The thing that you have to destroy is their ability to enrich uranium, which has been destroyed."

Vance also said Washington remains open to improving relations if Iran permanently abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

"If they are willing to give up nuclear weapons ambitions for the long term, then the United States is willing to fundamentally transform our relationship with that country," he said.

"If they're willing to change, we're willing to change too; if they're not willing to change, we still fundamentally have all the cards and I think that's a good place to be."

JD Vance defends Richard Nixon and immigration policy

The interview came just hours before reports emerged that a tanker had been struck in the Strait of Hormuz, followed by fresh military strikes involving the United States and Iran after an earlier cargo ship attack triggered renewed hostilities.

Beyond Iran, Vance also reflected on domestic issues and recent political debates. He defended former President Richard Nixon, arguing that his historical legacy has improved over time.

"I think that his historical legacy is enjoying a bit of a renaissance - but I think deservedly so," Vance said.

He also remarked, "If Watergate happened tomorrow, it would be like a 12-hour news story. Like, the idea that it would have taken down a presidency is crazy."

Maher also questioned Vance about immigration enforcement, but the vice president defended the administration's approach.

"You can't do a law enforcement operation like that without having some situations that are recorded like that," Vance said. "I don't think there was an easy way to do this."