Vance demands Iran cut nuclear enrichment to end seven-month war as Trump says nobody knows who runs Tehran

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026.

Vice President JD Vance has told Reuters that Iran must make concrete reductions in its nuclear enrichment capacity — not promises — before any peace deal to end the war can be reached. Vance questioned Iranian leaders' authority after Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the conflict. Trump separately claimed consumer prices will fall as the war winds down, and warned military operations could intensify after November's midterm elections.

Vance challenged Iran's case for 60% enriched fuel: 'If you don't want a nuclear weapon, then why do you need it?'

The US and Iran have exchanged proposals in recent weeks, but Trump has already rejected Tehran's latest offer.