No Risk of Prolonged Middle East Conflict, Says JD Vance

Washington: US Vice President JD Vance has asserted that there is “no chance” the United States will be drawn into a prolonged war in the Middle East, even as President Donald Trump considers fresh military options against Iran.

In an interview with The Washington Post aboard Air Force Two, Vance said military strikes against Iran remain one of several options, but he does not believe any action would escalate into a years-long conflict.

“The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight—there is no chance that will happen,” he was quoted as saying.

Vance said it remains unclear what Trump will ultimately decide, noting that choices range from targeted military action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon to resolving the issue through diplomacy. “I think we all prefer the diplomatic option,” he said, adding that outcomes will depend on Iran’s stance.

Negotiations between the United States and Iran continued on Thursday in Geneva amid a significant buildup of US forces in the region, though no breakthrough was achieved. Mediators indicated talks would resume next week.

Trump has publicly expressed interest in regime change in Iran, saying earlier this month that removing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “would be the best thing that could happen.”

A Marine veteran who served in the Iraq War, Vance reiterated that he remains sceptical of foreign military interventions and said the same perspective broadly applies to Trump. He stressed the need to avoid repeating past mistakes while also cautioning against ruling out military engagement altogether.

Within conservative circles, debates have intensified over America’s role in the Middle East and its approach towards Israel. Vance said differing views—including Israel-sceptical voices—should be part of internal discussions, while affirming Israel’s status as a strategic ally.

The United States has maintained a large military footprint in the Middle East for over two decades, particularly since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Tensions with Iran have repeatedly surged over its nuclear programme and regional influence, prompting ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

With inputs from IANS