U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that the Trump administration does not aim for regime change in Iran. Vance also stressed that Trump never intended to make Reza Pahlavi the new leader of Iran.
In an interview published on journalist Megyn Kelly’s YouTube channel, Vance shared his views on Iran policy. He stated that the Iranian people’s uprising against the current government is their own decision and that it is a matter between the Iranian people and their government.
The U.S. Goal Is to Stop the Nuclear Program
Vance expressed that Washington’s primary objective is to end Iran’s nuclear program through diplomatic means or, if necessary, military action. He also mentioned that Iran must change its behavior to gain economic benefits.
The Vice President said that uranium enrichment activities along with verification and inspection mechanisms are key elements of the agreement. He argued that if Iran fulfills its obligations, it will result in a transformative agreement for the Middle East; otherwise, Iran will not gain economic advantages.
The Agreement Presented as a Regional Framework
Vance described the U.S.-Iran agreement as a regional peace deal. He noted that this framework includes not only Iran but also Gulf countries, Israel, and Lebanon.
Vance also pointed out that this agreement differs from the Marshall Plan, which was funded by American taxpayers’ money, whereas this framework does not carry such a financial burden.
The Agreement and Regional Reactions
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced on June 15 that following negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, an agreement was reached to end conflicts on all fronts, including Lebanon. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabadi confirmed the agreement and said the memorandum would be signed in Switzerland on June 19.
Donald Trump also stated that the peace agreement with Iran was finalized, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, and the U.S. naval blockade would be lifted immediately. The announcement that the agreement includes Lebanon sparked debate in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz claimed they would not withdraw from the areas they occupy in southern Lebanon.
