Vance Urges ‘Faith' in Trump Iran Deal That May Shape His Political Future
Vice President JD Vance urged Americans to have "faith" in President Donald Trump's Iran deal as he defended an agreement that could shape his political future.
President Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday at the Palace of Versailles in France that is meant to bring a halt to the months-long war with Iran.
Vance, who is viewed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has become the face of the deal, giving a series of interviews defending it amid criticism from some conservatives. Trump quipped this week that he would blame Vance if the deal falls through.
While Vance said that was a joke, the vice president's political fate may be tied to the agreement. The deal ushering in the end of the war could be a political win for Vance. But if the war, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, kicks back up, Vance and other Republicans may pay a political price.
Vance Defends Iran Deal Amid Conservative Criticism
During a White House press conference, Vance, once more skeptical of foreign invasions, expressed confidence and defended the deal.
"Have a little bit of faith in the president of the United States,” he said. “The idea that he is going to strike a deal that’s been bad for the American people, it’s preposterous. He is the person who has had the courage to fundamentally transform our relationship with Iran, and with a lot of other countries over the last year and a half."
The agreement is "about rewarding good conduct and punishing bad conduct." If Iran does not comply with the agreement, the U.S. will still have "every single tool and point of leverage that we have today," he said.
He said the deal will leave Iran "weakened" with a "destroyed" nuclear program that it lacks the capacity to rebuild.
"I think that when people get to understand not just the agreement but our negotiating posture as a country, they will realize this is an excellent thing for the American people," he said.
Not all conservatives are sold on the deal, however.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, wrote on X that it was “the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” in a post that has more than 2.4 million views.
"Reagan is rolling over in his grave. Iran's nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future. Now, Iran gets to build brand-new infrastructure under this deal," he wrote.
Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro blamed Vance for the deal, describing the MOU as a "disaster that does not achieve any of the actual signaled goals set by the administration at the beginning."
Vance, he said, "has not well served the president."
Vance Responds to Becoming Iran ‘Fall Guy'
Vance was also asked about whether he is concerned about becoming the "fall guy" for the deal if it does not work out after Trump joked about the idea in remarks to reporters.
"If it works out, I'm going to take the credit. If it doesn't work out, I'm blaming JD,” Trump said. “You better be careful JD. He's going to turn his plane around and get the hell out of here. He doesn't like that idea. I think it's a good idea."
Vance said he is "not at all" worried about the possibility.
"I think the president was joking, as he often does," the vice president said. "The entire team has worked very well on this, and we've got this thing to a very good place for the American people."
Vance was expected to travel to Switzerland this weekend for further negotiations
Vance Criticizes Israel During Press Conference
The vice president ended the press conference with a criticism of Israel, a notable remark because of the administration's staunch support for its Middle East ally, responding to Israeli criticism of the deal.
"If I was in the Cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world," Vance said.
He noted that many of the weapons that have protected Israel were built and paid for by Americans, and that Israeli critics of Trump should "wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in."
Is War Between U.S. and Iran Over?
The deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz-the waterway through which one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas transited before blockades caused global energy prices to spike-and extend a ceasefire for a 60-day negotiation period while the countries discussed the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
How Many Americans Have Died in Iran?
The U.S. has not sent troops into Iran but has suffered hundreds of casualties and at least 13 deaths, according to official disclosures.
Six American service members were killed at Kuwait's Shuaiba port on March 1; one died on March 8 from wounds suffered in an attack on Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base on March 1; and six died when a KC-135 tanker crashed in western Iraq on March 12.
Why Did Trump Start Iran War?
Trump said the strikes were intended to crush Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities
"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime….its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world," he said in February.
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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 11:35 AM.