US VP Vance visits Hungary to back Orban's election amid Iran war
US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Budapest to back Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of April 12 elections. The two-day visit includes a rally, a $500 million oil deal, and possible talks on the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran. Turkey, which has maintained dialogue with both sides, is closely watching the escalation's impact on regional stability and energy flows.
As the US-Israeli joint military campaign against Iran enters its second month, American Vice President JD Vance has landed in Budapest to publicly bolster Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s re-election campaign. Before departing Washington, Vance said he was "looking forward to seeing my good friend Viktor" to discuss bilateral ties and European security. The two-day visit, which began Tuesday, comes just days before Hungary’s April 12 parliamentary vote. Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha, was greeted by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. For Türkiye, which shares a maritime border with Iran and relies on the Strait of Hormuz for oil imports, any widening of the conflict poses direct energy security risks. Ankara has consistently urged restraint and offered mediation between Tehran and Washington.
Oil deal and potential Iran role
According to Bloomberg News, Budapest is expected to finalize a $500 million crude oil purchase from the United States during Vance’s stay. The agreement would reduce Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy, aligning with Orban’s often-contradictory balancing act between Moscow and the West. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has suggested that Vance “could be” involved in face-to-face negotiations with Iranian officials in the coming days. Trump, who endorsed Orban on social media as a “strong and powerful” leader, has not ruled out direct talks despite ongoing airstrikes.
Regional fallout and Türkiye’s position
Iran has responded to the US-Israeli offensive with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting American military assets. Tehran has also restricted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of global oil passes. For Türkiye, which imports most of its crude from Iraq and the Gulf, these restrictions could drive up energy costs and strain supply chains. Turkish diplomatic sources have reiterated that a military escalation benefits no one, calling for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomacy. Vance is scheduled to appear alongside Orban at a joint press conference and a “Hungarian-American Friendship Day” rally later today.
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