US Vice President JD Vance has accused some elements within the Israeli government of attempting to derail Washington’s diplomatic efforts with Iran, alleging they wanted to the war to contine till eternity.
While speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Vance said he was certain that individuals within the Israeli government had worked to shift the United States away from negotiations with Tehran.
“I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there have been people within the Israeli government who are trying to shift us away from negotiations because they want to continue the military campaign,” Vance said. He added that these individuals were trying to influence American public opinion “to keep the war going on indefinitely.”
The Vice President stressed that while foreign governments routinely try to shape US policy, the problem arises when American leaders allow such efforts to affect their judgment.
“I represent Americans first, and that’s the way that I’ve tried to do this job,” he said.
He referred to a recent Time magazine article, claiming it detailed how individuals linked to a former Trump campaign official, who he said had been paid by “certain elements within the Israeli government”, had worked to undermine the negotiations.
Former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale, who was mentioned in the report, denied the allegations, saying there was “not a single shred of evidence” that he had acted against the Trump administration or opposed its policy.
Despite his criticism, Vance clarified that he was not accusing the entire Israeli government of opposing diplomacy. He said many within Israel support the ongoing peace process and recognise that an indefinite military campaign is not in Israel’s interests.
The Vice President also insisted that Israel did not drive Trump’s decision to launch military action against Iran, saying Trump independently believes Iran should not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Vance further argued that military force alone would not eliminate the threat to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying diplomacy remained essential alongside military pressure.
His remarks come amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran following the collapse of a ceasefire, fresh US airstrikes, Iranian attacks on commercial shipping, and escalating military exchanges across the region.
