Vance says US to pursue Iran deal regardless of Israel stance

Vice President JD Vance said Monday the United States will continue seeking a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran irrespective of Israel's stance on the matter, emphasizing that the Trump administration views such a deal as vital to American interests. Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Vance stated that recent developments have created the diplomatic space necessary for a settlement.

"Thanks to what's happened over the last few months, but really over the last year and a half, we've created the space necessary where the president believes, and I think that he's right, that we can get the long-term settlement to Iran's nuclear deal," Vance said. "Now, Israel may like that, they may not like that, but fundamentally, we think this is in the best interest of the United States of America," he added, noting that the administration would continue pursuing the agreement because that is what the president was elected to do.

Regional escalation

Tensions between Israel and Iran flared Sunday when Israeli forces bombed Beirut despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement, prompting Tehran to launch missile strikes toward northern Israel in retaliation. Israel subsequently conducted several waves of airstrikes against Iranian targets, while Tehran responded with additional missile launches before announcing early Monday that it would halt attacks, though Iranian officials warned of a "crushing" response if strikes on Lebanon continued, according to Israeli media reports citing unnamed officials.

Conflict background

The region has remained volatile since the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February, triggering Iranian retaliation against Israel and other regional states hosting American military assets. A temporary ceasefire took effect on April 8, but negotiations stalled amid disputes over implementation even as President Donald Trump extended the truce indefinitely, while Iran has maintained that any nuclear negotiations must follow a complete end to hostilities.