US Vice President JD Vance has warned that Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon could trigger a dangerous “nuclear arms race” across the Gulf region and beyond, amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Speaking during a White House press briefing, Vance said the United States remains committed to diplomacy but made it clear that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a top priority for the Trump administration.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Vance said, warning that if Tehran succeeds in developing one, several countries in the Gulf region could begin pursuing nuclear weapons of their own. He described Iran as the “first domino” that could set off a wider global nuclear arms race.
Vance further said the US was “locked and loaded” to restart military operations if ongoing peace negotiations fail. According to him, President Donald Trump remains open to a diplomatic settlement but is also prepared to take military action if necessary.
The remarks came a day after Trump reportedly delayed plans for fresh strikes on Iran following requests from Gulf nations including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which urged Washington to continue diplomatic engagement.
Vance said the administration believes Iran is interested in reaching a deal, but stressed that negotiations would not compromise America’s central demand that Tehran never develop nuclear weapons capability. He also expressed concern about the long-term global impact of nuclear proliferation.
“As the father of three young kids, I don’t want them to inherit a world where 20 additional regimes have nuclear weapons,” he said during the briefing.
Iran has repeatedly insisted that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, while US and Israeli officials continue to accuse Tehran of moving dangerously close to weapons-grade capability. Rising tensions in the region have already affected oil markets and increased fears of a broader Middle East conflict.
