U.S. Vice President JD Vance says Washington’s strategy toward Iran has entered a new phase, with the United States shifting its focus toward economic pressure and securing global energy supplies.
Vance said the U.S. military campaign had significantly weakened Iran’s conventional military capabilities, damaged its nuclear programme and sharply reduced what he described as the country’s asymmetric military capacity.
With the military phase now changing, Vance identified economic pressure as the United States’ “most effective tool” for influencing Tehran and preventing the rebuilding of its military and nuclear capabilities.
The vice president said Washington’s priorities now include maintaining pressure on the Iranian economy while working to ensure the continued flow of energy through the region.
The comments come amid heightened tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
The United States has maintained that Iran must make significant changes to its nuclear and military policies, while Tehran has continued to reject what it views as excessive U.S. demands and pressure.
Vance’s remarks indicate that the administration intends to combine military deterrence with economic measures as Washington seeks to shape Iran’s future conduct.
The strategy could have wider consequences for global energy markets, particularly if tensions affect commercial shipping or the movement of oil and gas through the Gulf.
For the Trump administration, the objective is now to use economic leverage to reinforce the military gains Washington says it has achieved while preventing further escalation and protecting international energy supplies.
