JD Vance said on June 27 that the United States would be successful in its negotiations with Iran regardless of whether a final deal is reached, noting that Iran's nuclear program has been weakened. He made the remarks during an appearance on Bill Maher’s Real Time while promoting his memoir, focusing on foreign policy. Vance referenced a 60‑day memorandum of understanding between former President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and said increased oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz indicated active engagement. He added that oil prices were about $73 per barrel and that Iran’s ability to enrich uranium had been destroyed, according to his statements. Vance said that even without a final agreement, Iran’s nuclear program remains non‑functional. Critics note that Iran still holds a stockpile of 60%‑enriched uranium, a point raised by International Atomic Energy Agency director general Rafael Grossi, who said reducing the stockpile or moving it abroad remains possible. The segment also covered recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz: a tanker was struck by a projectile on June 27 and both the United States and Iran launched attacks on each other’s targets, marking the worst escalation since the interim peace agreement. Washington said it struck Iranian targets overnight, while Iran said it hit sites linked to U.S. forces on Saturday. Vance also defended former President Richard Nixon during a visit to the Nixon Library, arguing that Nixon’s legacy is being reassessed and that Watergate would not have ended a presidency if it occurred today. He avoided addressing criticism of the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Vance concluded that the United States retains leverage in the negotiations and is prepared to adjust its approach if Iran agrees to abandon nuclear weapons ambitions.