Vance: U.S. Sees Signs Iran Rebuilding Nuclear Program Ahead of Geneva Talks

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The United States has detected evidence that Iran is attempting to rebuild elements of its nuclear program following U.S.-led strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday, just one day before renewed negotiations in Geneva.

“The principle is very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Vance told reporters. “If they try to rebuild a nuclear weapon, that causes problems for us. In fact, we’ve seen evidence that they have tried to do exactly that.”

Talks are scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, with President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, set to participate. Vance emphasized that the administration prefers diplomacy but made clear that Trump retains full authority over any potential military action.

“The president has been crystal clear,” Vance said in a Fox News interview. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” He added that while diplomacy is the “preferred route,” the president has “a number of other tools at his disposal” and has shown a willingness to use them.

Vance said the U.S. seeks a “reasonable settlement” that ensures Iran cannot threaten the world with nuclear weapons.

Iranian officials strongly rejected U.S. claims. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied that Tehran is pursuing long-range missile capabilities beyond 2,000 kilometers, calling its missile program defensive in nature. Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei accused Washington of spreading misinformation following Trump’s State of the Union remarks asserting that U.S. strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

On Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he hopes diplomacy will prevail but underscored the administration’s strategy of “peace through strength.”

At the same time, a bipartisan war powers resolution led by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie seeking to restrict the president’s ability to use military force against Iran appears unlikely to advance, as Republicans and several pro-Israel Democrats line up in opposition.

As tensions rise, Thursday’s Geneva talks could prove pivotal in determining whether the standoff moves toward a negotiated settlement — or further escalation.

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