JD Vance defends US-Iran peace deal, slams Israel’s critics, asks them not to attack its only ally in the world | Today’s news

US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday (local time) criticized those criticizing the US-Iran peace deal in Israel, saying that Tel Aviv cannot just “kill its way out” of every national security issue.

Vance’s remarks came hours after US President Donald Trump signed Iran’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Versailles, France, while attending a Group of Seven (G7) leaders’ dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Read also | US-Iran peace deal: Trump signs MoU in Versailles, White House confirms

Vance advocates US-Iran peace deal

According to a Reuters report, Vance lashed out at Israel’s critics as he defended the deal struck this week to end the war. Critics have argued that both the US and Israel have failed to curb Tehran’s missile program and provided no clear path to dismantling the country’s nuclear facilities while constraining Israel in its war with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Quick answers to key questions

•5 QUESTIONS

JD Vance defended the US-Iran peace deal, saying that Israel should not attack its only ally in the world, the United States, and expressed confidence in the outcome of the negotiations to stabilize regional security.

Israeli critics argue that the deal does not impose strict limits on Iran’s missile program and does not provide a clear path for dismantling its nuclear facilities, raising concerns about Israel’s national security.

Vance said the deal included expectations that Iran would curb Hezbollah, support a reduction in violence in Lebanon and say Israeli forces should not act recklessly in the region.

Critics in Israel believe the deal threatens their security by allowing Iran to maintain its military capabilities and influence, requiring vigilance and a strong defense strategy.

Next steps include negotiating a comprehensive settlement within 60 days, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program, verification mechanisms and addressing regional security issues.

Defending the US-Iran peace deal, Vance called Trump Israel’s only ally. During a White House briefing, he issued a double-edged message to Israel, saying: “No. 1: Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who sympathizes with the people of Israel at this time. If I were in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not attack the only powerful ally I have left anywhere in the world.”

In a second message, he said: “Some of these members of the government in Israel who are attacking the President of the United States, I would say that in the last three months, two-thirds of the defense weapons that have protected your homeland have been made by American hands. . . . Anyone in Israel who thinks that their biggest problem is the President of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation.”

Vance criticizes Israel’s critics

He also criticized Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for opposing the US-Iran peace deal. In an interview with The New York Times, Vance asked, “What is your exact proposal? You’re a country of 9 million people. You can’t just kill yourself solving every single national security problem you have.”

He added: “I find this whole craziness in Israel a little strange because I think it comes from a place of mistrust, and I think America has earned the trust of this region of the world.”

Following Vance’s remarks, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that he encouraged everyone in West Asia to maintain their commitment to allow negotiations to continue. He also reiterated that Washington expects a full ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Israel and Hezbollah.

Israeli minister answers to JD Vance

Responding to Vance’s criticism of the Israelis, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, wrote in a post on X: “This is a proposal… To deal with the Nazis of the 21st century, just as the United States dealt with the Nazis of the 20th century.”

On Monday, Ben-Gvir also criticized the US-Iran peace deal and insisted that the Israeli military remain in Lebanon. He wrote: “The Trump deal does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States and we are an independent and sovereign nation!”

Tensions between the US and Israel

Tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv have escalated since the US president sought a permanent truce with Tehran, a move Israel is said to have repeatedly threatened. In the midst of it all, Trump took on Netanyahu, with whom his frequent friendly phone calls are no longer friendly, The Wall Street Journal reported.

In the past few weeks, both Trump and Netanyahu have played down the rift between them. This came after Trump shouted “damn fool” at Netanyahu during a call about Lebanon.

But the Israeli prime minister, who faces a tough challenge at home, has not issued any statement on Tel Aviv’s deteriorating ties with Washington.