Wendy: Ongoing strikes won’t protect Hormuz, diplomacy is key

U.S. Vice President JD Wendy, speaking on a widely‑watched interview, warned that continuous bombings will not make the Strait of Hormuz safe nor ensure regional stability. He reaffirmed that the Trump administration is using a blend of diplomatic talks, economic pressure and a credible military posture to impede Iran’s nuclear weapons program while keeping the crucial energy corridor open.

Wendy said his enthusiasm for a direct military campaign against Iran was initially low, but his responsibility is to advise President Trump and turn the president’s decisions into action. He dismissed the notion of making quick policy shifts based on a decision taken three months earlier, insisting on a pragmatic, success‑oriented approach.

He explained that the recently signed memorandum of understanding with Iran focuses on reopening Hormuz, curbing violence, and establishing a framework for nuclear negotiations. The initial agreement helped restart oil traffic, yet some Iranian hard‑liners feared Tehran had given up its primary bargaining chip, leading to a resurgence of ship attacks.

Describing U.S. policy as a “delicate diplomatic balance,” Wendy highlighted the use of both incentives and sanctions – the classic carrot‑and‑stick method – to talk with Iran’s pragmatic leaders while responding forcefully to violent actions.

Wendy maintained that Iran’s nuclear facilities remain largely destroyed and that sufficient oil and gas continue to flow through the Strait, preventing a worldwide energy crisis. He noted that talks on a long‑term solution for Iran’s nuclear program are still underway and condemned critics of U.S. foreign policy as offering only bombings without real answers.

He also rejected any plan to deploy ground troops to overthrow the Iranian government and warned against repeating the consequences of the U.S. involvement in Libya.