Vance pledges military, diplomatic pressure on Iran

The United States will use military, economic and diplomatic measures to bring the conflict with Iran to an end

The United States will use military, economic and diplomatic measures to bring the conflict with Iran to an end, Vice President JD Vance has said, stressing that Washington remains committed to preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

In a television interview, Vance said negotiations with Iran remain difficult due to internal divisions within the country’s leadership. He claimed that while some factions in Iran want to end the conflict through diplomacy, others continue to support confrontation, making negotiations more complicated.

Despite the challenges, Vance expressed confidence that a settlement could eventually be reached, although he acknowledged the process would take time. He said the US hopes regional stability will improve and global oil prices will ease once tensions decline.

The vice president reiterated that the United States would continue using every available tool, including military strength, economic sanctions and diplomatic engagement, to achieve what he described as a lasting resolution.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said he still prefers diplomacy over military action. Speaking at a public event, Trump said he would rather reach an agreement with Iran than resort to war, but warned that military action remains an option if negotiations fail.

Trump also dismissed reports suggesting the United States is facing shortages of key military ammunition. He insisted that the country has substantial stockpiles of weapons and said defence manufacturers are rapidly expanding production to meet future requirements.

The president further warned that individuals responsible for leaking classified information about US military capabilities would face legal action, saying authorities were actively pursuing those involved.

The developments come as tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil exports.

At the same time, eight leading international shipping organisations have urged the United Nations to oppose any proposal to impose mandatory transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a joint letter addressed to the UN and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the organisations warned that introducing tolls would undermine the internationally recognised principle of free navigation and could increase shipping costs, fuel prices and inflation worldwide.

The maritime groups also cautioned that allowing such charges could create a dangerous precedent for other international waterways and disrupt global trade.

The appeal follows recent discussions between Iran and Oman on future arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said the two countries have reached preliminary understandings on several issues related to maritime traffic, although they clarified that the agreement does not mean the waterway will be fully reopened under a new system.

Separately, reports in US media claimed President Trump had questioned senior defence officials over alleged shortages of military munitions during a recent Cabinet meeting. According to the reports, concerns over weapon supplies had influenced military planning regarding Iran.