• Vice President JD Vance says the Trump administration has two options for Iran: a diplomatic deal or a renewed military campaign.
  • President Trump prefers Option A, which would see Iran become a normal country, but a deadline is looming.
  • The U.S. has built up a massive military presence in the Middle East, signaling the stakes of the negotiations.

Vance's Ultimatum

Vice President JD Vance on Monday laid out two stark choices for Iran, warning that failure to negotiate could trigger a renewed U.S. military campaign. Speaking to reporters, Vance said Option A would see Iran abandon its nuclear ambitions, stop funding terrorism, and rejoin global commerce. Option B, he said, is a restart of military strikes against Iran, a path he stressed President Trump does not want to take.

"The president prefers diplomacy," Vance said, according to people familiar with his remarks. "But without a deal, we are prepared to act."

The Diplomatic Path

Trump has repeatedly signaled a desire for a negotiated settlement, setting a deadline for Iran to decide its path. Diplomatic talks have resumed in Oman between U.S. and Iranian representatives, though progress remains unclear. The president has privately expressed concerns about a prolonged war, according to aides.

Option A would require Iran to verifiably end its nuclear program and halt support for proxies. In return, sanctions would be lifted and Iran reintegrated into global markets. But Tehran (TSM) has so far shown little willingness to comply.

The Military Buildup

Meanwhile, the U.S. has amassed its largest military force in the Middle East since the Iraq War, with naval assets and aircraft positioned in the Gulf. The buildup, coupled with recent White House meetings between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscores the gravity of the moment.

If Iran chooses Option B, Vance said the military campaign would aim to cripple Iran’s nuclear facilities and economy. Such a scenario would risk regional escalation, oil price spikes, and prolonged U.S. engagement.

What’s Next

The deadline is fast approaching. Without a deal, the administration would be forced to choose between a risky military campaign and backing down. Vance insisted that under Option A, the war should wrap up soon—meaning a diplomatic resolution would prevent conflict. But with talks stalled, the clock is ticking.

Update: This article was updated to clarify Vance’s comments about Option B.

— With assistance from White House reporters