TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - US President Donald Trump’s administration is facing increasing criticism from Israel over its newly signed agreement with Iran, prompting Vice President JD Vance to issue one of the strongest public warnings yet to the US ally as Washington seeks to defend its diplomatic approach to Tehran.
The dispute centers on a memorandum signed by the United States (US) and Iran that launched a 60-day negotiating process aimed at transforming a fragile ceasefire into a broader regional framework covering sanctions relief, economic recovery, maritime security, and restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Speaking at the White House, Vance directly rebuked Israeli officials who have criticized the agreement, warning them against alienating Washington at a time when Israel faces growing diplomatic challenges.
“Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time,” Vance said. “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.”
The remarks came as Israeli lawmakers and some Republican allies in Washington argued that the agreement grants Iran economic benefits without immediately resolving concerns over its nuclear program and regional activities.
Vance defended the deal as a pathway toward stability, insisting that Iran would only receive broader benefits if it complies with future commitments negotiated during the next phase of talks. He also emphasized that Washington remains focused on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
As reported by The New York Times, Vance also reminded Israeli critics of the extent of American support for Israel, noting that roughly two-thirds of the weapons protecting the country are financed and supplied by the United States.
The vice president's comments followed mounting frustration within the Trump administration over Israeli opposition to the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have long advocated maintaining maximum pressure on Iran through economic sanctions and military deterrence, a strategy that differs sharply from Washington's current diplomatic approach.
The administration argues that engagement with Tehran offers a better chance of reducing regional tensions and preventing future conflict. The agreement includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease some economic restrictions on Iran, and establish a framework for future negotiations on nuclear issues.
However, critics have questioned whether the deal provides Iran with immediate benefits without securing major concessions. The memorandum allows the release of certain frozen assets and sanctions waivers while leaving key questions about uranium enrichment and Iran's missile program to future negotiations.
Iran's leadership has also signaled that significant differences remain. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Tehran would not submit to what he described as "excessive demands" and portrayed Iran as negotiating from a position of strength.
The disagreement has highlighted a broader strategic divide between Washington and Jerusalem over the future of the Middle East.
According to Al Jazeera, Vance's remarks may signal a significant shift in the US-Israel relationship, reflecting a growing willingness within the Trump administration to pursue regional objectives even when they conflict with Israeli preferences.
The publication noted that Vance publicly acknowledged realities that US officials have traditionally avoided discussing, including Israel's increasing dependence on American military, diplomatic, and financial support amid growing international criticism over conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Vance also criticized recent Israeli military operations in Lebanon, suggesting that actions causing civilian casualties risk undermining broader diplomatic efforts. The comments reflected concerns within the administration that regional military escalations could jeopardize negotiations with Iran.
Analysts view the dispute as extending beyond the current agreement itself. While Netanyahu continues to favor a strategy centered on pressure and confrontation, the Trump administration increasingly appears committed to a diplomatic framework designed to manage relations with Iran while reducing incentives for future conflict.
Despite the public disagreements, neither side has suggested that the longstanding alliance is in danger of collapsing. Military, intelligence, and political cooperation between the two countries remains extensive.
However, JD Vance's unusually direct comments have fueled speculation that Washington may be entering a new phase in its relationship with Israel—one in which support for Israeli security remains strong, but opposition from Israeli leaders no longer automatically reshapes US policy.
The outcome of the ongoing negotiations with Iran may determine whether that shift becomes a lasting feature of American foreign policy in the Middle East.
Read: JD Vance Calls Lebanon Ceasefire Exclusion a 'Misunderstanding'
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