LIVE: JD Vance holds White House briefing

Two pathways: diplomacy or military action

Vance stated the administration has two options for Iran: negotiate a deal preventing nuclear weapons or restart military campaigns, with the president preferring diplomacy but remaining 'locked and loaded' for conflict if necessary.

Direct negotiations in Pakistan

Vance traveled to Islamabad for 21 hours of face-to-face talks with Iranian negotiators to demonstrate good faith and pursue a deal that would reset 47 years of hostile relations.

Global nuclear proliferation red line

The administration maintains Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons because it would trigger a dangerous global arms race as Gulf nations and others scramble to acquire their own arsenals.

Billions in fraud recovered

The administration has identified and stopped billions in fraudulent activity across hospice, Medicaid, Medicare, immigration systems, and Small Business Administration loans in recent months.

Prosecuting fraudsters

Vance emphasized that fraud victimizes both taxpayers and intended beneficiaries, requiring aggressive prosecution to protect funds meant for troops, low-income children, and medical assistance.

$1.8 billion lawfare compensation fund

The administration established a fund to compensate Americans for legal expenses and disproportionate prosecutions from the previous administration, open to applicants of any political party including Democrats.

Case-by-case evaluation process

Vance clarified that claims will be vetted individually, with funds intended for those unfairly prosecuted rather than violent offenders, citing Tina Peters as an example of disproportionate sentencing.

Texas endorsement signals loyalty test

President Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in the Texas Senate race reinforces that Republican candidates must serve voters rather than corporate lobbyists or Wall Street interests.