U.S. Vice President JD Vance defended the memorandum of understanding reached between Washington and Tehran to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, while delivering some of the Trump administration’s sharpest public criticism of Israeli officials opposed to the agreement.
Speaking in interviews and public remarks on Thursday, Vance argued that the deal creates favorable conditions for the United States regardless of the outcome of upcoming negotiations with Iran.
His comments came amid growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over the agreement, which includes measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end fighting across multiple fronts, and begin negotiations on unresolved issues related to Iran’s nuclear program.
Vance directly challenged Israeli officials who have condemned the agreement, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
“What is your exact proposal? You’re a country of 9 million people. You can’t just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have,” Vance said.
At a White House briefing, he warned Israeli critics against attacking President Donald Trump, describing him as Israel’s most significant international supporter.
“My message to them would be twofold. No. 1: Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time,” Vance said.
The vice president also pointed to extensive U.S. military support for Israel, saying much of the country’s defensive capability has been financed and produced by the United States.
Israeli officials have argued that the agreement fails to adequately address Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue occupying parts of southern Lebanon to meet its security requirements, while Israel published an expanded military control zone in the area.
The agreement has also faced criticism from Democrats and some Republicans who argue that Iran received significant concessions without making sufficient commitments.
The deal includes sanctions waivers for Iran’s fossil fuel sector, efforts to unfreeze Iranian assets, and plans for a $300 billion reconstruction fund.
It also commits Iran to diluting its stockpile of highly enriched uranium while leaving broader questions about its nuclear program for negotiations expected over the next 60 days.
Vance maintained that the conflict had weakened Iran’s military, nuclear infrastructure, and economy, creating leverage for future talks.
He said negotiations could begin as early as the weekend and expressed confidence that Iran could eventually accept additional oversight measures.
President Trump later urged all parties to support negotiations and maintain a complete ceasefire, including in Lebanon, involving Hezbollah and Israel.