US Vice President JD Vance stated that the United States does not plan to deploy ground forces to Iran with the aim of overthrowing the existing government. He said this on the podcast of comedian and television host Joe Rogan, according to TASS.
If the Iranian people want to rise up and change their government—that's their business, but we're not going to send 150,000 ground troops. By suggesting you send soldiers, you're essentially saying that the US Armed Forces should do the work for the Iranian people. We're not doing that anymore.
Nuclear program and shipping
According to Vance, Washington's current priorities in the region are ensuring free transportation of oil and gas, as well as preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. To achieve this, according to him, the US is ready to employ both diplomatic and military instruments. Vance called Tehran's renunciation of nuclear ambitions an important and long-term achievement for the current American administration.
Speaking about tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, the vice president emphasized that military methods alone cannot solve the shipping problem: all available means must be used. "The military is one instrument, and diplomacy is another. I'm disappointed with Americans and people in other countries who say: 'You cannot negotiate with Iranians.' And what do you propose—that people stop shooting at ships in the Strait of Hormuz?" he said.
You can strike them, you can destroy their radars, you can shoot down some drones and missiles. But striking ships is too simple, so you really need to express willingness to dialogue and try to solve the problem.
On uncertainty and Israel
Vance acknowledged that he does not venture to predict the course of future events, but believes that the US is "on the right track." "It will all be very turbulent, there will be many stops and resumptions," he added. The vice president also reported that there are forces in Israel interested in prolonging the war with Iran. At the same time, he categorically rejected claims that Israel is somehow blackmailing President Donald Trump—including on the Iran issue.