U.S.-Israel Tensions Emerge Over Iran Agreement as Vance Criticizes Trump

U.S. Vice President JD Vance. [Photo=AFP연합뉴스]

JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President, publicly criticized hardline Israeli officials who condemned the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran. Following the announcement of the agreement to halt hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, hardline voices in Israel expressed their discontent, prompting a direct response from the White House that highlighted the differences between the U.S. and Israel.
The Wall Street Journal reported that during a White House briefing on June 18, Vance stated, "At this moment, the only world leader sympathetic to Israel is Donald Trump," adding, "If I were in the Israeli cabinet, I would not attack the only remaining strong ally in the world." He also noted that a significant portion of the weapons used for Israel's defense are American-made. Vance emphasized, "Israel's problem is not President Trump," urging local officials who view the U.S. president as the main issue to confront reality.
Vance's remarks were a response to Israeli far-right ministers who criticized the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU). Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir claimed on social media that "Israel is an independent sovereign nation not subject to U.S. control" and asserted that the agreement does not apply to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refrained from publicly criticizing Trump’s decision. However, local officials privately express concerns that the agreement could provide Iran with the time and resources needed to rebuild its missile and drone capabilities. They are also wary of a potential increase in support for pro-Iranian factions in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq.
Vance has decided not to attend follow-up negotiations scheduled to begin in Switzerland on June 19. The White House stated, "Details are still being finalized," and confirmed that he would not be departing at this time.
The MOU outlines a 60-day period for further discussions. During this time, Iran is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. has agreed to ease sanctions that have restricted Iranian oil sales. Iran has reiterated its commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, with specific limitations on its nuclear program to be addressed in future negotiations.
On June 18, U.S. military officials announced that the blockade on Iranian ports had been lifted. Vance remarked, "Iran has not attacked commercial vessels for two consecutive days, and in the past 24 hours, ships carrying 12.5 million barrels of oil have passed through the Strait of Hormuz."
President Trump called on Middle Eastern nations via social media to cooperate in facilitating ongoing negotiations. Vance reiterated that the U.S. retains military and economic pressure options should Iran fail to uphold its commitments.

* This article has been translated by AI.

AJP