In his first public remarks since the U.S. conducted coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a firm yet measured message: “The United States is not at war with Iran.” The statement, made during a press briefing at the White House, comes amid growing global concern that the situation in the Middle East could spiral into a full-scale conflict.
The strikes, which targeted Iran’s underground nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, marked one of the most consequential U.S. military actions in the region in years. Carried out by stealth B-2 bombers, the mission was aimed at crippling Iran’s ability to enrich uranium and send a clear warning about nuclear red lines.
However, Vice President Vance emphasized that the operation was “limited, strategic, and defensive in nature,” and not an act of war.
“We are not seeking regime change. We are not seeking occupation. We are seeking deterrence,” Vance said. “The Iranian regime crossed a threshold that endangered global security, and we responded with necessary force.”
The Vice President’s comments aim to calm fears of broader escalation, both domestically and internationally. The Iranian government responded with a retaliatory missile barrage targeting Israeli cities, and there are growing concerns about a chain reaction involving Iranian proxy groups and regional U.S. allies.
Vance clarified that while the U.S. remains committed to protecting its personnel and interests, the administration is still open to diplomacy.
“The door to diplomacy remains open, but we will not tolerate nuclear threats, nor allow the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” he stated.
The remarks follow a State Department ‘Worldwide Caution’ alert, issued to U.S. citizens abroad amid elevated risks of retaliatory attacks. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has reinforced its regional presence, moving naval assets closer to the Strait of Hormuz and enhancing air defense systems in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Despite Vance’s assurances, reactions across the globe have been mixed. European allies have called for immediate de-escalation and UN mediation, while Russia and China condemned the strikes as violations of international law.
Domestically, Vance’s statement was seen as an attempt to strike a delicate balance between projecting strength and avoiding a drawn-out military confrontation—especially as the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies.
Critics argue that such high-risk military actions, no matter how targeted, invite broader retaliation and could destabilize already fragile regional alliances. Supporters, however, hailed the operation as decisive and justified, given Iran’s continued defiance of nuclear agreements and enrichment thresholds.
As the dust settles, Vice President Vance reiterated the core message: “We acted to prevent a war—not to start one.”
