US Vice President Vance Defends Iran Deal, Warns Israeli Critics of Losing Key Ally
Vice President JD Vance told reporters that President Trump remains Israel's sole supportive leader and highlighted U.S. military aid, while criticizing Israeli cabinet members opposing the recent U.S.-Iran agreement.
Vice President JD Vance defended the United States' recently announced agreement with Iran, saying it was essential for regional stability and warning Israeli officials that President Donald Trump is currently the only world leader openly supportive of Israel. At a White House briefing, Vance said he had not heard any comments from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but noted that members of the Israeli cabinet have publicly attacked both the deal and Trump.
"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 told reporters.
He added that two-thirds of Israel's defensive weapons are manufactured in the United States and funded by American taxpayers, referencing the roughly $4 billion in annual U.S. military assistance to Israel. Vance urged Israeli officials to recognize the strategic importance of that support, stating that those who view the U.S. president as Israel's biggest problem need to “wake up and smell the reality of the situation.”
The agreement, reached this week, aims to end hostilities with Iran but has drawn criticism in both Washington and Jerusalem for not sufficiently limiting Iran's missile program or providing a clear path to dismantle its nuclear facilities. Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, said the terms were unfavorable because they did not address concerns over Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
In response to Vance's comments, far-right Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich have continued to oppose the deal, insisting that Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon. Vance previously told the New York Times that Israel could not solve its security challenges solely through military action.
President Trump later posted on social media that all parties in the region should remain committed to negotiations and a comprehensive ceasefire, including in Lebanon and against Hezbollah.