US Vice President JD Vance delivered a reassuring message from Air Force Two during an exclusive Washington Post interview on February 27: America will not entangle itself in a prolonged Middle East war. Dismissing speculation amid President Trump’s review of anti-Iran strategies, Vance insisted no endless conflict loomed on the horizon.
‘Military action against Iran is on the table to prevent nuclear weapon acquisition, but I don’t see it turning into a multi-year quagmire,’ Vance said. The former Iraq veteran, now 41, drew from personal experience to advocate restraint, echoing his long-held reservations about overseas interventions.
He outlined Trump’s options—preemptive strikes or diplomatic resolutions—while favoring talks. ‘Diplomacy comes first, contingent on Iran’s behavior,’ Vance explained. Geneva negotiations persisted Thursday without resolution, set to continue next week, as US forces encircled Iranian borders.
Trump’s public push for ousting Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted regime change aspirations. Vance praised this as aligned with ‘America First’ principles, cautioning against past blunders. ‘We must avoid repeating history’s errors; the president remains watchful,’ he added.
Addressing GOP divides on Middle East policy and Israel support, Vance urged robust internal discussions. ‘This debate is crucial for conservatism’s future,’ he argued, balancing alliance commitments with strategic realism.
For over 20 years, since the 2003 Iraq invasion, US administrations faced pressure to avoid deep entanglements. Iran’s nuclear pursuits and proxy influences have fueled volatile tensions, prompting repeated diplomatic pushes in Europe to avert escalation. Vance’s forthright position reinforces a pivot toward selective engagement, safeguarding US priorities.