U.S. Vice President JD Vance has clarified that the United States is not at war with Iran itself, but rather with its nuclear program, amid growing global concern over the escalating military tensions in the region.
“We are not at war with Iran, but with its nuclear program,” Vance stated, seeking to distinguish the scope and intent of the recent military intervention.
He further emphasized that the United States does not aim to pursue regime change in Tehran, distancing the administration’s stance from earlier Israeli statements that openly mentioned such objectives.
Vance also stressed that there are no plans to deploy U.S. ground troops to Iran, reinforcing the message that the operation is intended to be limited and targeted.
These comments follow President Donald Trump’s repeated pledges not to involve America in another “endless war.” However, the recent strike on Iran has triggered internal divisions within Trump’s own conservative base—particularly among MAGA movement figures—who are demanding assurances that this was a one-off, contained strike.
Conservative commentator Pete Hegseth, speaking from the Pentagon earlier in the afternoon, echoed this sentiment, reinforcing that the administration’s strategy is focused and constrained.
