Vice President JD Vance appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday to clarify that the United States is not at war with Iran, but specifically targeted Iran’s nuclear program in a high-stakes military strike ordered by President Donald Trump.
Host Kristen Welker asked, “Is the United States now at war with Iran?” Vance responded, “No, Kristen, we’re not at war with Iran, we’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program.” He emphasized that the operation was precise, focused, and a testament to American military capability and leadership.
Vance praised the performance of U.S. Air Force pilots involved in the mission. “We are incredibly proud of the American Air Force pilots who did an incredible job last night,” he said. “These guys flew from Missouri. They didn’t land a single time. They dropped 30,000-pound bombs on a target the size of a washing machine and got home safely without ever landing in the Middle East.”
The mission reportedly included mid-air refueling and required pinpoint accuracy, reflecting advanced strategic capabilities. Vance credited both the military’s precision and President Trump’s leadership for the mission’s success. “It’s a testament to the power of the military, and it shows what can happen when you have that great military in the hands of presidential leadership,” he stated.
Vance emphasized that the strike effectively dismantled Iran’s nuclear infrastructure without risking American lives. “What we did is we destroyed the Iranian nuclear program and we did it without endangering the American pilots,” he said. “Whatever our politics, we should be proud of what these guys accomplished.”
The statement marks the administration’s firm stance against nuclear threats while signaling a preference for limited, strategic force over broader conflict.
Addressing potential Iranian retaliation, Vance said future U.S. responses would be up to President Trump. “We do not want war with Iran. We actually want peace, but we want peace in the context of them not having a nuclear weapons program,” he explained. Vance urged Iran to avoid attacking American forces and to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
“If they’re willing to do that, the United States is all ears,” Vance concluded, signaling an openness to renewed diplomacy—if Iran ceases its nuclear pursuits and regional threats.
