US Rules Out Iran Talks Unless Attacks on Hormuz Shipping Cease
US VP Vance says no talks with Iran unless attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz stop.
The United States has made clear it will not enter into diplomatic engagement with Iran as long as Tehran continues to target commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Vice President JD Vance delivered the message to reporters on Thursday, stating that Washington's position is conditional on an immediate halt to such attacks.
"They've got to stop. It's that simple," Vance said, underscoring the administration's firm stance. The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the strategic waterway, through which a significant share of global oil shipments transit.
Vance did not elaborate on potential consequences or next steps, but his comments signal that the US views the safety of commercial shipping as a prerequisite for any bilateral discussions. The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint in recent months, with several incidents involving tankers and naval forces.
The vice president's statement aligns with broader US policy of applying pressure on Iran while keeping the door open for diplomacy under changed circumstances. No immediate response from Iranian officials was reported.