Vance: Iran attack will not lead to a protracted war

"The idea that we would end up in a war in the Middle East for years with no end in sight - there is no risk that that will happen," Vance told the Washington Post.

In recent weeks, large U.S. military resources have been deployed in Iran's vicinity. However, the vice president says the U.S. "prefers" a diplomatic solution.

But it depends on what the Iranians choose to do and say.

A third round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran was held on Thursday in Switzerland.