US Vice President JD Vance has said Iran must make a meaningful cut in its nuclear enrichment capacity to end the seven-month war with the United States. He spoke in an exclusive interview with Reuters after a campaign trip in Alaska.

Vance said any deal would require Iran to reduce enrichment capacity, not just promise future drawdowns. He questioned why Iran needs 60 per cent enriched fuel if it does not want a nuclear weapon. Washington remains open to a deal but wants concrete nuclear concessions.

Vance has led US efforts to negotiate a settlement. A provisional peace agreement he brokered fell apart quickly. The war has jolted global energy markets. It has become a political liability for President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections.

Iran and the US have exchanged proposals in recent weeks. The aim is to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy shipping route. Trump rejected Tehran’s latest offer. He has warned military operations could intensify after the midterms.