Vice President JD Vance on Thursday disputed whether the ongoing US conflict with Iran was still a war, saying major combat operations ended after about six weeks. On being asked during a White House news briefing if the war would be over by the midterm elections in November, Vance said, “I wouldn’t call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting. I recognize there have been places where this has flared up.”&nbsp;The vice president further said that major combat operations ended after about six weeks.&nbsp;“When you ask, ‘When will this end?’ You’re asking me a question like, ‘When will the Iranians stop shooting at ships?’ I think the reality is I don’t know the answer to that question. You would have to ask the Iranians,” Vance said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobel-laureate-machado-says-venezuela-s-illegitimate-regime-has-no-right-to-strike-us-oil-deal-1788463885343">Nobel laureate Machado says Venezuela’s ‘illegitimate’ regime has no right to strike US oil deal</a><h2>‘No negotiations until Strait of Hormuz attacks stop’</h2>&nbsp;Vice President Vance further said that the US would not negotiate with Iran while attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz continue.“The president’s been very clear: We’re not talking to them, and we’re not going to talk to them unless they stop shooting at commercial shipping,” Vance said during the news briefing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ganga-nears-danger-mark-in-varanasi-most-ghats-submerged-pm-modi-orders-relief-work-on-war-footing-1788455040726">Ganga nears danger mark in Varanasi, most ghats submerged; PM Modi orders relief work on ‘war footing’</a><h2>‘Gas could have been much, much higher’</h2>&nbsp;On being asked when Americans would expect lower gas prices and could expect to pay less at the pump, Vance said the US has been able to avert a global energy crisis from Iran’s attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;“We’ve been quite successful up to this point,” Vance said. “Gas, frankly, could have been much, much higher were it not for our efforts, but I’m not going to make a promise about when it’s going to return to $3.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-ready-to-help-end-russia-ukraine-war-says-eam-jaishankar-during-kyiv-visit-1788437687980">India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war, says EAM Jaishankar during Kyiv visit</a>&nbsp;The vice president said the US was fighting Iran so it wouldn’t be able to have a nuclear weapon. He argued that the energy crisis from the war with Iran could have been much worse if it hadn’t been responded to effectively.<h2>‘Extremely skeptical about hitting Iran wedding’</h2>&nbsp;The Vice President further said that he was “extremely skeptical” of the Iranian allegations that the US hit a wedding party during strikes earlier this week.Iranian officials said four civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in the attack. The US military said it was looking into the allegations.&nbsp;“I will say that the Iranian state media has not been a very good scribe about what’s happened in the conflict thus far, so I’m extremely skeptical of this,” Vance told reporters.He reiterated what the US military has been saying, which is that civilians are not targeted.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bar-council-has-no-power-to-discipline-law-students-before-enrollment-supreme-court-1788442808743">Bar Council has no power to discipline law students before enrollment: Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;“Unfortunately, obviously, sometimes things happen, but in this particular case, I don't think that we have any information one way or the other,” Vance said. “We’re investigating it because obviously we care, we want to know.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Oil flow through Hormuz nearly back to pre-war levels’</h2>&nbsp;Vance went on to say that the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz was nearly back to levels seen before the Iran war, adding that Tehran’s control of the waterway was “effectively gone”.&nbsp;“If you go back three months ago, how much oil and gas was coming out of the strait under Iranian threats? It was virtually nothing. Now, it’s almost back to where it was before the conflict even started,” the VP said.&nbsp;Vance also downplayed the threat of Iranian cyberattacks in America and said that Iran’s ability to disrupt the daily lives of Americans was “not zero, but it’s quite limited.”&nbsp;“What I would say is that we feel quite confident the homeland is safe,” he said. “We also feel quite confident that the Iranians are going to try to do a lot of things that they don’t have the capability to do.”&nbsp;He added that the Trump administration’s stated goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon was of top importance.

On being asked when Americans would expect lower gas prices, Vance said the US has been able to avert a global energy crisis from Iran’s attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that the energy crisis from the Iran war could have been much worse if it hadn’t been responded to effectively.

Vice President JD Vance on Thursday disputed whether the ongoing US conflict with Iran was still a war, saying major combat operations ended after about six weeks. On being asked during a White House news briefing if the war would be over by the midterm elections in November, Vance said, “I wouldn’t call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting. I recognize there have been places where this has flared up.” The vice president further said that major combat operations ended after about six weeks. “When you ask, ‘When will this end?’ You’re asking me a question like, ‘When will the Iranians stop shooting at ships?’ I think the reality is I don’t know the answer to that question. You would have to ask the Iranians,” Vance said. Also Read: Nobel laureate Machado says Venezuela’s ‘illegitimate’ regime has no right to strike US oil deal ‘No negotiations until Strait of Hormuz attacks stop’ Vice President Vance further said that the US would not negotiate with Iran while attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz continue. “The president’s been very clear: We’re not talking to them, and we’re not going to talk to them unless they stop shooting at commercial shipping,” Vance said during the news briefing. Also Read: Ganga nears danger mark in Varanasi, most ghats submerged; PM Modi orders relief work on ‘war footing’ ‘Gas could have been much, much higher’ On being asked when Americans would expect lower gas prices and could expect to pay less at the pump, Vance said the US has been able to avert a global energy crisis from Iran’s attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. “We’ve been quite successful up to this point,” Vance said. “Gas, frankly, could have been much, much higher were it not for our efforts, but I’m not going to make a promise about when it’s going to return to $3.” Also Read: India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war, says EAM Jaishankar during Kyiv visit The vice president said the US was fighting Iran so it wouldn’t be able to have a nuclear weapon. He argued that the energy crisis from the war with Iran could have been much worse if it hadn’t been responded to effectively. ‘Extremely skeptical about hitting Iran wedding’ The Vice President further said that he was “extremely skeptical” of the Iranian allegations that the US hit a wedding party during strikes earlier this week. Iranian officials said four civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in the attack. The US military said it was looking into the allegations. “I will say that the Iranian state media has not been a very good scribe about what’s happened in the conflict thus far, so I’m extremely skeptical of this,” Vance told reporters. He reiterated what the US military has been saying, which is that civilians are not targeted. Also Read: Bar Council has no power to discipline law students before enrollment: Supreme Court “Unfortunately, obviously, sometimes things happen, but in this particular case, I don't think that we have any information one way or the other,” Vance said. “We’re investigating it because obviously we care, we want to know.” ‘Oil flow through Hormuz nearly back to pre-war levels’ Vance went on to say that the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz was nearly back to levels seen before the Iran war, adding that Tehran’s control of the waterway was “effectively gone”. “If you go back three months ago, how much oil and gas was coming out of the strait under Iranian threats? It was virtually nothing. Now, it’s almost back to where it was before the conflict even started,” the VP said. Vance also downplayed the threat of Iranian cyberattacks in America and said that Iran’s ability to disrupt the daily lives of Americans was “not zero, but it’s quite limited.” “What I would say is that we feel quite confident the homeland is safe,” he said. “We also feel quite confident that the Iranians are going to try to do a lot of things that they don’t have the capability to do.” He added that the Trump administration’s stated goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon was of top importance.

On being asked when Americans would expect lower gas prices, Vance said the US has been able to avert a global energy crisis from Iran’s attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that the energy crisis from the Iran war could have been much worse if it hadn’t been responded to effectively.

‘I wouldn’t call it a war,’ says JD Vance on ongoing conflict with Iran

US Vice President JD Vance believes that the Antichrist could be walking among us right now, saying that, with everything that's happening in the world, it would not be a surprise. Vance was talking to Christian podcaster Bryce Crawford, where he also shared his views on the end of the world and whether AI is evil. The 42-year-old presented the assassination attempt on Donald Trump as an example as proof that a higher power exists, which saved him on that day.&nbsp;“I think that there are, like, things about the world that make me feel, like, not shocked if the Antichrist was walking among us. But again, I try not to focus too much on it,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Who is Antichrist?</h2>&nbsp;Antichrist is a biblical figure who is seen as someone who will deceive humanity and act against everything that God stands for. This person denies the existence of Jesus and will try to steer people on the wrong path.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/charming-antichrist-will-deceive-the-world-priest-warns-biblical-prophecy-could-come-true-1773303931153">'Charming' Antichrist will deceive the world: Priest warns Biblical prophecy could soon come true</a>&nbsp;But the larger view is that he would be a person who will position himself as the world leader and demand that he be worshipped. He will rise towards the end times, turning the world into a chaotic place where no rules will exist. "While I wouldn’t be shocked if we are living in the end times, what I’m trying to focus on is doing as much of God’s work as possible right now, and if that leads to the end times, OK," Vance said.<h2>Prediction about the rise of Antichrist</h2> Could Vance be onto something? A prediction states that the "stage is set" for the rise of the Antichrist. Father Chad Ripperger, a Catholic priest, said on the Shawn Ryan Show earlier this year that when the world undergoes moral collapse, the Antichrist would emerge. "There's been an implosion where people just aren't following the laws of God and of the natural law in any sense of the term," he said. This, he believes, has been happening since the 1950s, and everything has been happening exactly as predicted by early Church leaders.&nbsp;The Antichrist will be charming and use it to portray himself as the saviour of humanity. He will demand loyalty and steer people away from God just before the world ends. Satan will help him, and he will persecute the believers and punish those who do not follow him. This person will rule the world through economies, using a unified system to gain hold over the world.&nbsp;Ripperger said that the changing economic system and digital technologies will be the major triggers for the rise of Antichrist. The prophecies also state that the world economy would one day be centralised, and the Antichrist would use it to his benefit. The priest's words sound scary since things are rapidly evolving in today's world, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence."Well, we're almost there, where they could literally just decide, look, unless you're going to sign off on certain things, you're not going to have access to the digital currency that we're going to enact worldwide," he said.<h2>Vance links AI with Satan&nbsp;</h2> Notably, JD Vance also talked about AI and said that some uses of the tool have a "really, really weird spiritual dark energy." He said that one of his friends was using AI for marriage counselling. Expressing shock over it, he said, "There’s no real human feedback. It sort of short-circuits that social part of our brain where we respond to other people’s wants and needs and just completely, like, I think that’s kind of satanic."&nbsp;Vance and Ripperger are pretty much on the same page. Both believe end of times could be near, both link technology with Satan, and that it will all come together to facilitate the rise of Antichrist, a charming leader who will fool the world. &nbsp;

Antichrist could already be present on Earth. Biblical prophecy states that this person would pose as a charming leader and then fool the world. JD Vance also said on a podcast that Antichrist might be among us. Here is more on the eerie prophecy and belief. 

US Vice President JD Vance believes that the Antichrist could be walking among us right now, saying that, with everything that's happening in the world, it would not be a surprise. Vance was talking to Christian podcaster Bryce Crawford, where he also shared his views on the end of the world and whether AI is evil. The 42-year-old presented the assassination attempt on Donald Trump as an example as proof that a higher power exists, which saved him on that day. “I think that there are, like, things about the world that make me feel, like, not shocked if the Antichrist was walking among us. But again, I try not to focus too much on it,” he said. Who is Antichrist? Antichrist is a biblical figure who is seen as someone who will deceive humanity and act against everything that God stands for. This person denies the existence of Jesus and will try to steer people on the wrong path. Also Read: 'Charming' Antichrist will deceive the world: Priest warns Biblical prophecy could soon come true But the larger view is that he would be a person who will position himself as the world leader and demand that he be worshipped. He will rise towards the end times, turning the world into a chaotic place where no rules will exist. "While I wouldn’t be shocked if we are living in the end times, what I’m trying to focus on is doing as much of God’s work as possible right now, and if that leads to the end times, OK," Vance said. Prediction about the rise of Antichrist Could Vance be onto something? A prediction states that the "stage is set" for the rise of the Antichrist. Father Chad Ripperger, a Catholic priest, said on the Shawn Ryan Show earlier this year that when the world undergoes moral collapse, the Antichrist would emerge. "There's been an implosion where people just aren't following the laws of God and of the natural law in any sense of the term," he said. This, he believes, has been happening since the 1950s, and everything has been happening exactly as predicted by early Church leaders. The Antichrist will be charming and use it to portray himself as the saviour of humanity. He will demand loyalty and steer people away from God just before the world ends. Satan will help him, and he will persecute the believers and punish those who do not follow him. This person will rule the world through economies, using a unified system to gain hold over the world. Ripperger said that the changing economic system and digital technologies will be the major triggers for the rise of Antichrist. The prophecies also state that the world economy would one day be centralised, and the Antichrist would use it to his benefit. The priest's words sound scary since things are rapidly evolving in today's world, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence. "Well, we're almost there, where they could literally just decide, look, unless you're going to sign off on certain things, you're not going to have access to the digital currency that we're going to enact worldwide," he said. Vance links AI with Satan Notably, JD Vance also talked about AI and said that some uses of the tool have a "really, really weird spiritual dark energy." He said that one of his friends was using AI for marriage counselling. Expressing shock over it, he said, "There’s no real human feedback. It sort of short-circuits that social part of our brain where we respond to other people’s wants and needs and just completely, like, I think that’s kind of satanic." Vance and Ripperger are pretty much on the same page. Both believe end of times could be near, both link technology with Satan, and that it will all come together to facilitate the rise of Antichrist, a charming leader who will fool the world.

Antichrist could already be present on Earth. Biblical prophecy states that this person would pose as a charming leader and then fool the world. JD Vance also said on a podcast that Antichrist might be among us. Here is more on the eerie prophecy and belief.&nbsp;

Chilling Biblical prophecy backs JD Vance's belief that Antichrist could already be walking among us

US Vice President JD Vance said that the Antichrist may be “walking among us”, and he is willing to accept the possibility that his work in the Trump administration could contribute to bringing about the “end times", as he will be doing God's work. In a Christian religious podcast with Bryce Crawford. 42-year-old Vance expressed his lifelong fascination with biblical prophecy.“Do I think that we’re in the end times? I don’t know. And I think that it’s probably bad for me spiritually to focus too much on it because there are, like, things that you gotta do," said Vance&nbsp;“I gotta be good to my wife. I gotta be good to my kids. I have to be as good of a leader as I can for the United States of America. And so, I think that focusing on - while I’m fascinated by it - focusing on it is, too much of it can be very bad," said Vance.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/taiwan-man-robot-vacuum-camera-wife-affair-prison-1788352502028">Husband uses secret camera to record wife’s affair, wins divorce case, ends up in jail for spying</a>“I think that there are, like, things about the world that make me feel like not shocked if the Antichrist was walking among us. But again, I try not to focus too much on it.” He added that there are things he sees happening, that some of the AI companies, where he feels like there is some really weird spiritual dark energy. He went on to give an anecdote of an unnamed AI company which holds a “burial ceremony” for a model when a newer one is introduced. He believed that there are unusual forces at work. He further added that whether he believes it or not, the world is heading towards an apocalyptic change.“While I wouldn’t be shocked if we are living in the end times, what I’m trying to focus on is doing as much of God’s work as possible right now,” said Vance. “If that leads to the end times, okay, and if that leads to... us building a better world that thrives and survives for a very long time after I’m gone, that’s great too," he added.&nbsp;Vance, who recently released a book about his journey to Catholicism, also defended Trump for posting an image of himself as Jesus Christ, claiming that there was no malice in his intentions; he was merely trying to keep things light.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">JD Vance: Do I think we are in the end times? I don&#39;t know. I would not be shocked if the Antichrist was walking amongst us <a href="https://t.co/tXAGj7YsSV">pic.twitter.com/tXAGj7YsSV</a>&mdash; Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) <a href="https://x.com/HQNewsNow/status/2094837488095265159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

US Vice President JD Vance said he would not be shocked if the Antichrist were “walking among us” and discussed his fascination with biblical prophecy.

US Vice President JD Vance said that the Antichrist may be “walking among us”, and he is willing to accept the possibility that his work in the Trump administration could contribute to bringing about the “end times", as he will be doing God's work. In a Christian religious podcast with Bryce Crawford. 42-year-old Vance expressed his lifelong fascination with biblical prophecy. “Do I think that we’re in the end times? I don’t know. And I think that it’s probably bad for me spiritually to focus too much on it because there are, like, things that you gotta do," said Vance “I gotta be good to my wife. I gotta be good to my kids. I have to be as good of a leader as I can for the United States of America. And so, I think that focusing on - while I’m fascinated by it - focusing on it is, too much of it can be very bad," said Vance. Also Read: Husband uses secret camera to record wife’s affair, wins divorce case, ends up in jail for spying “I think that there are, like, things about the world that make me feel like not shocked if the Antichrist was walking among us. But again, I try not to focus too much on it.” He added that there are things he sees happening, that some of the AI companies, where he feels like there is some really weird spiritual dark energy. He went on to give an anecdote of an unnamed AI company which holds a “burial ceremony” for a model when a newer one is introduced. He believed that there are unusual forces at work. He further added that whether he believes it or not, the world is heading towards an apocalyptic change. “While I wouldn’t be shocked if we are living in the end times, what I’m trying to focus on is doing as much of God’s work as possible right now,” said Vance. “If that leads to the end times, okay, and if that leads to... us building a better world that thrives and survives for a very long time after I’m gone, that’s great too," he added. Vance, who recently released a book about his journey to Catholicism, also defended Trump for posting an image of himself as Jesus Christ, claiming that there was no malice in his intentions; he was merely trying to keep things light.

US Vice President JD Vance said he would not be shocked if the Antichrist were “walking among us” and discussed his fascination with biblical prophecy.

JD Vance says ‘end times’ may be near, Antichrist may be ‘walking among us’

A war-of-words broke out between Vice President JD Vance and Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on social media on Monday (Aug 31), with Vance calling El-Sayed "very, very, evil." He also said that the state’s Democratic Senate nominee is symptomatic of a growing trend in America of fighting "for one group at the expense of others." El-Sayed slammed Vance over his remarks and stated that the Trump administration and Republicans are the ones perpetrating evil.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-receives-call-from-jd-vance-discusses-india-us-strategic-partnership-1786212756558">PM Modi receives call from JD Vance, discusses India-US strategic partnership</a>&nbsp;The heated exchange between the two which is a part of the fierce Senate race, took an ugly turn with the involvement of Usha Vance, the second lady. Earlier this month, El Sayed responded to a clip of Vance at a rally referencing his late grandfather, “Papaw,” by mentioning second lady Usha Vance, who is the child of Indian immigrants and was raised Hindu. “So do we think JD is taking Usha with him back in time to meet Papaw, or no…” El-Sayed wrote on X. Responding to the remark on X, Vance has now said: “Keep my wife’s name the hell out of your mouth.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Vance was addressing a rally in Sterling Heights hosted by MAGA Inc., a super PAC aligned with President Donald Trump and cast the choice between El-Sayed and GOP nominee Mike Rogers. “There’s something about Abdul El-Sayed that is very, very evil and on the rise in the United States of America today, and it’s people who see themselves not as citizens of a common nation, fighting for every single person … but see themselves as fighting for one group at the expense of others,“ he said. "What I see is a man who has sympathy and compassion for people who share his religion, but have nothing for people who don’t. A person who will apologize for a murderer so long as he looks the right way, but will not understand the plight of an innocent child if that person has the wrong faith,” Vance said, calling on voters to “reject it in November” and back Rogers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-trump-kharg-island-post-iran-us-denies-strike-1788192311560">JD Vance says Trump’s Kharg Island AI video was a message to Iran</a>&nbsp;El-Sayed reacted saying: “Evil is ripping healthcare away from working people in exchange for tax breaks for billionaires. Evil is making people pay more for groceries and gas while pushing for trade wars and actual war. Evil is dividing people for your own gain. Evil is selling out your morals for a little bit of power,” he said in a statement.“Michigan is better than being lectured to by sock puppets from Ohio and Florida. We understand what’s at stake, and Michiganders will show you at the ballot box this November when we send Mike Rogers packing,” he added.

US Vice President JD Vance attacked Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed at a Michigan rally, calling him “very, very evil” and accusing him of favouring one group. El-Sayed hit back, accusing Republicans of dividing Americans for political gain as the Senate race heats up

A war-of-words broke out between Vice President JD Vance and Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on social media on Monday (Aug 31), with Vance calling El-Sayed "very, very, evil." He also said that the state’s Democratic Senate nominee is symptomatic of a growing trend in America of fighting "for one group at the expense of others." El-Sayed slammed Vance over his remarks and stated that the Trump administration and Republicans are the ones perpetrating evil. Also Read: PM Modi receives call from JD Vance, discusses India-US strategic partnership The heated exchange between the two which is a part of the fierce Senate race, took an ugly turn with the involvement of Usha Vance, the second lady. Earlier this month, El Sayed responded to a clip of Vance at a rally referencing his late grandfather, “Papaw,” by mentioning second lady Usha Vance, who is the child of Indian immigrants and was raised Hindu. “So do we think JD is taking Usha with him back in time to meet Papaw, or no…” El-Sayed wrote on X. Responding to the remark on X, Vance has now said: “Keep my wife’s name the hell out of your mouth.” Vance was addressing a rally in Sterling Heights hosted by MAGA Inc., a super PAC aligned with President Donald Trump and cast the choice between El-Sayed and GOP nominee Mike Rogers. “There’s something about Abdul El-Sayed that is very, very evil and on the rise in the United States of America today, and it’s people who see themselves not as citizens of a common nation, fighting for every single person … but see themselves as fighting for one group at the expense of others,“ he said. "What I see is a man who has sympathy and compassion for people who share his religion, but have nothing for people who don’t. A person who will apologize for a murderer so long as he looks the right way, but will not understand the plight of an innocent child if that person has the wrong faith,” Vance said, calling on voters to “reject it in November” and back Rogers. Also Read: JD Vance says Trump’s Kharg Island AI video was a message to Iran El-Sayed reacted saying: “Evil is ripping healthcare away from working people in exchange for tax breaks for billionaires. Evil is making people pay more for groceries and gas while pushing for trade wars and actual war. Evil is dividing people for your own gain. Evil is selling out your morals for a little bit of power,” he said in a statement.“Michigan is better than being lectured to by sock puppets from Ohio and Florida. We understand what’s at stake, and Michiganders will show you at the ballot box this November when we send Mike Rogers packing,” he added.

US Vice President JD Vance attacked Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed at a Michigan rally, calling him “very, very evil” and accusing him of favouring one group. El-Sayed hit back, accusing Republicans of dividing Americans for political gain as the Senate race heats up

'Keep my wife's name hell out of your mouth': JD Vance slams Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed

US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that the US President Donald Trump was sending a message with his Truth Social post of an AI-generated video claiming Iran’s Kharg Island had been ‘blown to smithereens’. However, the US Defence Department said American forces had not struck the country’s main oil export hub."The president likes to switch it up ​on social media a little bit. He ⁠would be the first to say he ​doesn't make announcements about military actions on social ​media, but I think that he's sending a message to the Iranians," Vance said when asked about Trump's post.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-express-flight-emergency-landing-ahmedabad-bomb-note-1788188924366">‘Bomb’ note triggers emergency landing of Air India Express flight in Ahmedabad</a>The head of National Iranian Oil Co, Hamid Bovard, said on Monday that the president’s post was “laughable” and described conditions on Kharg Island as “calm and appropriate.” US had targeted Iranian ​launchers on Larak Island, and in response, Iranian forces fired missiles at Jordan and the UAE. A senior Iranian source, speaking to Reuters, described the overnight hostilities between the United States and Iran, the first since late July, as a “limited and contained confrontation”, but said Iran would respond harshly if attacked again.&nbsp;The Global oil market is already witnessing a shortfall of roughly 20 per cent of daily supply due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A successful attack on the Iranian Kharg Island will cut off roughly 90 per cent of Iranian crude oil exports. This would send crude oil prices soaring higher, worsening the energy crisis and putting pressure on the global economy.Trump has yet to achieve the objectives he set out at the start of the war: dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme, curbing its ability to attack regional rivals and creating conditions for Iranians to overthrow their clerical rulers.

JD Vance says Donald Trump’s Kharg Island post was a message to Iran, while the US Defence Department denied striking the key oil export hub.

US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that the US President Donald Trump was sending a message with his Truth Social post of an AI-generated video claiming Iran’s Kharg Island had been ‘blown to smithereens’. However, the US Defence Department said American forces had not struck the country’s main oil export hub. "The president likes to switch it up on social media a little bit. He ⁠would be the first to say he doesn't make announcements about military actions on social media, but I think that he's sending a message to the Iranians," Vance said when asked about Trump's post. Also Read: ‘Bomb’ note triggers emergency landing of Air India Express flight in Ahmedabad The head of National Iranian Oil Co, Hamid Bovard, said on Monday that the president’s post was “laughable” and described conditions on Kharg Island as “calm and appropriate.” US had targeted Iranian launchers on Larak Island, and in response, Iranian forces fired missiles at Jordan and the UAE. A senior Iranian source, speaking to Reuters, described the overnight hostilities between the United States and Iran, the first since late July, as a “limited and contained confrontation”, but said Iran would respond harshly if attacked again. The Global oil market is already witnessing a shortfall of roughly 20 per cent of daily supply due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A successful attack on the Iranian Kharg Island will cut off roughly 90 per cent of Iranian crude oil exports. This would send crude oil prices soaring higher, worsening the energy crisis and putting pressure on the global economy. Trump has yet to achieve the objectives he set out at the start of the war: dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme, curbing its ability to attack regional rivals and creating conditions for Iranians to overthrow their clerical rulers.

JD Vance says Donald Trump’s Kharg Island post was a message to Iran, while the US Defence Department denied striking the key oil export hub.

JD Vance says Trump’s Kharg Island AI video was a message to Iran

US Vice President JD Vance has said keeping oil and gasoline prices low for Americans is now Washington's top priority in the Iran war, while the prevention of a nuclear-armed Iran comes second.The comments mark a notable shift from President Donald Trump's repeated description of the conflict as a campaign aimed primarily at stopping Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.Speaking to Fox News on Thursday (Aug 13), Vance pointed to the sharp rise in oil prices during the early stages of the conflict before adding that keeping energy costs down had become the administration's first goal. "That's goal number one," Vance said, referring to keeping oil and gas affordable for Americans. He then identified preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon as "goal number two.""I know that oil is down today and it's way down from the highs in the early days of the conflict," Vance said on Fox News. "That's goal number one -- keep oil and gas cheap for Americans all over our country.""And then obviously goal number two is ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon," he added.<h2>Strait of Hormuz now at the centre</h2>Vance's remarks come as the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the biggest pressure points in the conflict. Iran has made the reopening of the strategic waterway part of the wider confrontation, while Washington and Tehran remain divided over the conditions needed to ease the standoff.The strait is crucial to global energy markets, making any prolonged disruption a direct concern for oil prices and American consumers.Vance said the administration was balancing several priorities at once, including energy prices, military considerations and Iran's nuclear programme. "Sometimes we're focused on the energy piece of it because we want Americans to be able to afford the price of oil and gas," he said.<h2>Trump faces pressure to avoid deeper escalation</h2>Vance has previously been among the administration's more cautious voices on the military campaign launched against Iran. His latest comments suggest that economic pressure and negotiations could now play a bigger role as Washington weighs its next steps ahead of the mid-term elections.Vance also said Trump had a wide range of options available, describing the president as being "at the height of his authority" with diplomatic, military and economic tools at his disposal.This comes as US media reports have raised questions about the availability of some American missiles and drones, potentially adding another constraint to Trump's military options.&nbsp;

JD Vance has put a different priority on the table as the Iran war continues, raising fresh questions about what is driving Washington's strategy. The VP said keeping oil and gasoline affordable is now the US priority in the Iran war. 

US Vice President JD Vance has said keeping oil and gasoline prices low for Americans is now Washington's top priority in the Iran war, while the prevention of a nuclear-armed Iran comes second. The comments mark a notable shift from President Donald Trump's repeated description of the conflict as a campaign aimed primarily at stopping Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Speaking to Fox News on Thursday (Aug 13), Vance pointed to the sharp rise in oil prices during the early stages of the conflict before adding that keeping energy costs down had become the administration's first goal. "That's goal number one," Vance said, referring to keeping oil and gas affordable for Americans. He then identified preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon as "goal number two." "I know that oil is down today and it's way down from the highs in the early days of the conflict," Vance said on Fox News. "That's goal number one -- keep oil and gas cheap for Americans all over our country." "And then obviously goal number two is ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon," he added. Strait of Hormuz now at the centre Vance's remarks come as the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the biggest pressure points in the conflict. Iran has made the reopening of the strategic waterway part of the wider confrontation, while Washington and Tehran remain divided over the conditions needed to ease the standoff. The strait is crucial to global energy markets, making any prolonged disruption a direct concern for oil prices and American consumers. Vance said the administration was balancing several priorities at once, including energy prices, military considerations and Iran's nuclear programme. "Sometimes we're focused on the energy piece of it because we want Americans to be able to afford the price of oil and gas," he said. Trump faces pressure to avoid deeper escalation Vance has previously been among the administration's more cautious voices on the military campaign launched against Iran. His latest comments suggest that economic pressure and negotiations could now play a bigger role as Washington weighs its next steps ahead of the mid-term elections. Vance also said Trump had a wide range of options available, describing the president as being "at the height of his authority" with diplomatic, military and economic tools at his disposal. This comes as US media reports have raised questions about the availability of some American missiles and drones, potentially adding another constraint to Trump's military options.

JD Vance has put a different priority on the table as the Iran war continues, raising fresh questions about what is driving Washington's strategy. The VP said keeping oil and gasoline affordable is now the US priority in the Iran war.&nbsp;

Iran's alleged nuclear arsenal no longer top concern for US? Vance says cheap oil is priority No. 1 in Iran war, nuclear threat 'goal number two'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 08) said he held a phone conversation with US Vice President JD Vance and discussed ways to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.&nbsp;PM Modi shared details of the conversation in a post on social media platform X. He said the two leaders discussed key areas of cooperation between India and the United States.&nbsp;“Received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance. We discussed ways to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across key areas. Warmly congratulated him and the Second Lady on the birth of their son and conveyed best wishes to the entire family,” PM Modi wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance. We discussed ways to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across key areas. Warmly congratulated him and the Second Lady on the birth of their son and conveyed best wishes to the entire family.…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2086143126729584815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Modi congratulates Vance on the birth of his son</h2>During the conversation, Modi also congratulated Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, on the birth of their son.&nbsp;“Warmly congratulated him and the Second Lady on the birth of their son and conveyed best wishes to the entire family,” he said.&nbsp;This comes as the US Senate on Friday passed a bipartisan bill that could allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries such as India and China that continue to import Russian oil and gas.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strait-of-hormuz-reopening-these-conditions-set-by-iran-could-decide-what-happens-next-1786206474781">Strait Of Hormuz reopening: These conditions set by Iran could decide what happens next</a>&nbsp;The legislation argues that such trade supports Moscow's economy and helps fund its military operations in Ukraine. The Senate passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an overwhelming 86-to-11 vote.&nbsp;Named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of its main architects, the legislation seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia and Iran while targeting countries that maintain major energy trade with Moscow.&nbsp;Under the proposed law, the US president would have discretionary powers to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the world's five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas.&nbsp;The legislation also proposes fresh sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior political and military officials, financial institutions, energy projects and other entities linked to Russia's war effort.&nbsp;It further expands US sanctions to older and reflagged oil tankers allegedly used by Russia to bypass international restrictions and maintain energy export revenues.&nbsp;The broader measure aims to limit the financial flows that support Russia's economy and military campaign.&nbsp;The bill would allow the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the top five buyers of Russian oil or natural gas. India remains one of the world's largest buyers of Russian crude, along with China.&nbsp;The legislation effectively gives energy-importing countries a choice between continuing to buy discounted Russian energy and maintaining access to the lucrative US market.&nbsp;India increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude after the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022. The move helped the country secure its energy requirements during a period of global market uncertainty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from US Vice President JD Vance and discussed ways to deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, while congratulating him on the birth of his son.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 08) said he held a phone conversation with US Vice President JD Vance and discussed ways to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. PM Modi shared details of the conversation in a post on social media platform X. He said the two leaders discussed key areas of cooperation between India and the United States. “Received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance. We discussed ways to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across key areas. Warmly congratulated him and the Second Lady on the birth of their son and conveyed best wishes to the entire family,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from US Vice President JD Vance and discussed ways to deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, while congratulating him on the birth of his son.

PM Modi receives call from JD Vance, discusses India-US strategic partnership

Iran and Oman are reportedly close to finalizing a new framework governing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints.

According to reports, the proposed arrangement would route inbound vessels through Iranian territorial waters and outbound traffic through Omani waters, with no tolls during an initial 60-day period. The agreement could significantly increase Iran's role in managing shipping through the strait and reshape regional geopolitics.

The United States has not officially responded to the reports, while Vice President JD Vance has warned that negotiations with Iran remain complex. Analysts say any agreement may only provide a temporary solution as political divisions continue within both Iran and the United States.

Iran-Oman Near Strait of Hormuz Shipping Deal | Will the U.S. Accept the New Framework?

U.S. President Donald Trump is once again at the center of online speculation after videos appearing to show him nodding off during official meetings went viral. Critics have questioned the president’s alertness, while the White House and Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the claims, insisting the clips are being misinterpreted. The renewed debate comes as Trump’s fitness and stamina continue to draw public attention.

Trump dozing videos go viral again as White House rejects claims about President’s alertness

US Vice-President JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha, has welcomed their fourth child on Sunday (July 19). Vance made the announcement in a post on X, stating that they are excited on the birth of their baby boy Alec Neel Vance. He said that both Usha and the baby are "happy and healthy, and our kids are overjoyed to meet their little brother." Vance thanked the military doctors and staff members of Walter Reed Medical Center and the White House Medical Unit. JD and Usha were married in 2014 and have three children together.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the birth of the fourth child, Vance became first sitting US VP to give birth in more than 150 years. According to CBS, the last known instance was 156 years ago when Schuyler Colfax Jr. -- serving as vice president to Ulysses S. Grant -- and his wife Ellen had their son, Schuyler Colfax III, in 1870. CNN reported citing people familiar with the matter that the family of six will be spending time in rural northern Virginia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-have-not-felt-months-after-jd-vance-s-comments-usha-vance-makes-big-statement-on-conversion-to-christianity-1782275373864">'I have not felt...': Months after JD Vance's comments, Usha Vance makes BIG statement on conversion to Christianity</a>&nbsp;Usha and JD's relationship has been under scanner due to the second lady's immigrant status and the Vice President's closeness with Conservative commentator late Charlie Kirk's wife - Erika Kirk. Usha Vance is Indian American, born and raised in San Diego, California, to parents who immigrated to the United States from India. &nbsp;Earlier, Vance had revealed that it was the death of Charlie Kirk that convinced Usha to have a fourth child. Narrating an incident, he said that Erika Kirk, the crying widow of Charlie, told Usha to have more babies as she regretted having only two kids.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erika-told-usha-vance-reveals-what-convinced-his-wife-for-fourth-child-1780816827366">'Erika told Usha between sobs...': JD Vance reportedly reveals what convinced his wife for fourth child</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/VMCGCCRd7s">pic.twitter.com/VMCGCCRd7s</a>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://x.com/JDVance/status/2078962245216731298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Karoline Leavitt to be US Vice President when Usha Vance gives birth?</h2>In May, Vance said that press secretary Karoline Leavitt should swap roles with him once his wife gives birth to their fourth child. He made the remark while addressing a press briefing in Karoline's absence. “It’s cool to be here. I want to give a shout out, of course, to the person I am replacing today, Karoline Leavitt, who hopefully is at home enjoying some time with her beautiful kids,” Vance said. He then jokingly suggested that he and Leavitt had struck a deal before he agreed to temporarily fill in at the podium. "When Usha has our baby in July that SHE would be Vice President for a couple of weeks!" he said making the room erupt in laughter.<h2>Who will be acting US Vice President?</h2>As Vance heads for paternity leave, a question hovers as to who would serve as the VP in his absence. But, the truth is that no one will serve as an "acting" U.S. Vice President because according to US Constitution, if a Vice President dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the position cannot be filled by an "acting" official. Instead, Section 2 of the 25th Amendment mandates a specific permanent replacement process. In case of temporary absence of the Vice President, the President pro tempore of the Senate or a designated senator presides over the chamber as &nbsp;the Vice President is the President of the Senate.

US Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance have welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Alec Neel Vance. The couple announced the birth on X, saying both mother and baby are healthy. The family now has four children together.

US Vice-President JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha, has welcomed their fourth child on Sunday (July 19). Vance made the announcement in a post on X, stating that they are excited on the birth of their baby boy Alec Neel Vance. He said that both Usha and the baby are "happy and healthy, and our kids are overjoyed to meet their little brother." Vance thanked the military doctors and staff members of Walter Reed Medical Center and the White House Medical Unit. JD and Usha were married in 2014 and have three children together. With the birth of the fourth child, Vance became first sitting US VP to give birth in more than 150 years. According to CBS, the last known instance was 156 years ago when Schuyler Colfax Jr. -- serving as vice president to Ulysses S. Grant -- and his wife Ellen had their son, Schuyler Colfax III, in 1870. CNN reported citing people familiar with the matter that the family of six will be spending time in rural northern Virginia. Also Read: 'I have not felt...': Months after JD Vance's comments, Usha Vance makes BIG statement on conversion to Christianity Usha and JD's relationship has been under scanner due to the second lady's immigrant status and the Vice President's closeness with Conservative commentator late Charlie Kirk's wife - Erika Kirk. Usha Vance is Indian American, born and raised in San Diego, California, to parents who immigrated to the United States from India. Earlier, Vance had revealed that it was the death of Charlie Kirk that convinced Usha to have a fourth child. Narrating an incident, he said that Erika Kirk, the crying widow of Charlie, told Usha to have more babies as she regretted having only two kids. Also Read: 'Erika told Usha between sobs...': JD Vance reportedly reveals what convinced his wife for fourth child

US Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance have welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Alec Neel Vance. The couple announced the birth on X, saying both mother and baby are healthy. The family now has four children together.

JD and Usha Vance welcome fourth child: Who serves as acting US vice president during Vance's paternity leave?

Speaking with podcaster Joe Rogan, U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused some elements within the Israeli government of running a paid campaign against him over his support for the Iran deal. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu came in for criticism as IDF continued bombing Lebanon despite a ceasefire, just when Iran and U.S. were close to finalising the MoU.


Vance accuses Israel of targeting him over Iran deal as Netanyahu draws flak

US Vice President JD Vance on the Joe Regan show, admitted that the late convicted sex offender Jefferey Epstein had connections with “Mossad or CIA or some other deep state”. He further added that Epstein's connection with Israel was in the left-central ideological bent, dodging linkups to the right of centre political ideologues of Israel with whom he shared ideological affinity.&nbsp;Nearly an hour and 47 minutes into the interview, host Rogan asks Vance: “Well, most people think he [Epstein] was Mossad.” Vance responded, “Yeah, Mossad or CIA or some other deep state, whether in America or Israel or another country. He clearly had connections to the upper, the highest levels of American intelligence. He clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence,” said Vance.“Epstein seemed to be connected to the elements of the Israeli deep state that were left of centre. I’ve always found that fascinating. It wasn’t like he was super connected to the right of centre of Israeli politics,” he added.During the podcast, Vance also admitted to the mishandling of the Epstein files. He specifically focused on Pam Bondi, who was fired by Trump in April. Bondi said that a client list belonging to Epstein was sitting on her desk. Later, the DOJ backtracked on Epstein's “client list”, insinuating that he acted alone.&nbsp;“I know Pam. I like Pam. I don’t think there was anything malicious going on,” Vance told Rogan. “I think Pam was trying to respond to the political moment. I think she overstated what we had and what we didn’t have.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/giovanni-castellucci-sentenced-genoa-morandi-bridge-collapse-1784195450240">Italian court sentences ex-motorway executive Giovanni Castellucci in Genoa bridge collapse case</a><h2>Epstein's Mossad connection</h2>The released tranche of 3.5 million files related to Epstein in January 2026, known as the “Epstein files”, does not explicitly prove that Epstein was an intelligence asset. An FBI Memo from 2020 said one of its sources claimed that “was a co-opted Mossad agent” who had been “trained as a spy”. It also reveals that Epstein had Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Mossad veteran Yoni Koren as regular visitors at Epstein’s New York residence. There is also more than an hour-long audio which features a former Israeli Prime Minister discussing racial engineering, by bringing Russian immigrants to Israel to delegitimise the Palestinian claim of statehood based on population. He also let Israeli officer Rafi Shlomo, then-director of protective service at the Israeli mission to the United Nations, install and control security equipment in a Manhattan apartment. Epstein also funded Israeli organisations through his foundation, a $25,000 donation to Friends of the Israel Defence Forces (Israeli army), and $15,000 to the Jewish National Fund. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Jeffrey Epstein’s unusually close relationship with Ehud Barak doesn’t suggest Epstein worked for Israel; it proves the opposite.&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance said on the Joe Rogan podcast that Jeffrey Epstein had connections to "Mossad, CIA or some other deep state" while discussing the Epstein files and Pam Bondi.

US Vice President JD Vance on the Joe Regan show, admitted that the late convicted sex offender Jefferey Epstein had connections with “Mossad or CIA or some other deep state”. He further added that Epstein's connection with Israel was in the left-central ideological bent, dodging linkups to the right of centre political ideologues of Israel with whom he shared ideological affinity. Nearly an hour and 47 minutes into the interview, host Rogan asks Vance: “Well, most people think he [Epstein] was Mossad.” Vance responded, “Yeah, Mossad or CIA or some other deep state, whether in America or Israel or another country. He clearly had connections to the upper, the highest levels of American intelligence. He clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence,” said Vance. “Epstein seemed to be connected to the elements of the Israeli deep state that were left of centre. I’ve always found that fascinating. It wasn’t like he was super connected to the right of centre of Israeli politics,” he added. During the podcast, Vance also admitted to the mishandling of the Epstein files. He specifically focused on Pam Bondi, who was fired by Trump in April. Bondi said that a client list belonging to Epstein was sitting on her desk. Later, the DOJ backtracked on Epstein's “client list”, insinuating that he acted alone. “I know Pam. I like Pam. I don’t think there was anything malicious going on,” Vance told Rogan. “I think Pam was trying to respond to the political moment. I think she overstated what we had and what we didn’t have.” Also Read: Italian court sentences ex-motorway executive Giovanni Castellucci in Genoa bridge collapse case Epstein's Mossad connection The released tranche of 3.5 million files related to Epstein in January 2026, known as the “Epstein files”, does not explicitly prove that Epstein was an intelligence asset. An FBI Memo from 2020 said one of its sources claimed that “was a co-opted Mossad agent” who had been “trained as a spy”. It also reveals that Epstein had Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Mossad veteran Yoni Koren as regular visitors at Epstein’s New York residence. There is also more than an hour-long audio which features a former Israeli Prime Minister discussing racial engineering, by bringing Russian immigrants to Israel to delegitimise the Palestinian claim of statehood based on population. He also let Israeli officer Rafi Shlomo, then-director of protective service at the Israeli mission to the United Nations, install and control security equipment in a Manhattan apartment. Epstein also funded Israeli organisations through his foundation, a $25,000 donation to Friends of the Israel Defence Forces (Israeli army), and $15,000 to the Jewish National Fund. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Jeffrey Epstein’s unusually close relationship with Ehud Barak doesn’t suggest Epstein worked for Israel; it proves the opposite.

US Vice President JD Vance said on the Joe Rogan podcast that Jeffrey Epstein had connections to "Mossad, CIA or some other deep state" while discussing the Epstein files and Pam Bondi.

JD Vance claims Jeffrey Epstein had ties to Mossad or CIA during Joe Rogan interview

US Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that the Trump administration mishandled its communication over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, saying officials "absolutely screwed up the comms" while insisting there was no effort to cover up evidence. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Vance said the administration should have released all the available documents from the outset instead of allowing confusion and speculation to grow."We absolutely screwed up the comms of the Epstein files. Like, we just did," Vance said. "But do I think the reason we screwed up the comms is because we were trying to hide something? No."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-epstein-files-accuse-trump-of-raping-13-year-old-murdering-a-new-born-white-house-says-this-about-allegations-1769823565436">Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations</a><h2>Vance defends Bondi despite criticism</h2>Vance also addressed criticism directed at former Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose earlier comments about the investigation drew intense scrutiny. Bondi had previously suggested that Epstein's alleged "client list" was "sitting on my desk right now," a remark that fuelled expectations of explosive disclosures.Reflecting on the episode, Vance said Bondi had simply over promised. "I know Pam. I like Pam. I don't think there was anything malicious going on," he said. "I think Pam was trying to respond to the political moment. I think she overstated what we had and what we didn't have."Bondi also came under fire after distributing binders labelled The Epstein Files: Phase 1 and Declassified to conservative commentators and influencers. Much of the material later turned out to be documents that had already been publicly released, adding to criticism that the rollout had been poorly handled.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-photo-vanishes-from-epstein-files-then-reappears-doj-claims-it-was-deleted-out-of-an-abundance-of-caution-sparks-cover-up-claims-1766368755262">Trump photo vanishes from Epstein files, then reappears. DOJ claims it was deleted 'out of an abundance of caution'</a><h2>Epstein file delays fuelled public mistrust</h2>The administration's handling of the Epstein files became one of the most politically damaging controversies of Trump's second term, drawing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.&nbsp;After months of pressure, Congress passed legislation requiring the Justice Department to release a broader collection of records linked to federal investigations into Epstein. The department began publishing the files in December, releasing heavily redacted material that included photographs, call logs, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts. However, the extensive redactions and missed deadlines for releasing additional records sparked fresh accusations that the government was not being fully transparent.

US Vice President JD Vance has admitted the Trump administration "absolutely screwed up the comms" surrounding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, while insisting there was no attempt to hide evidence. He also defended Pam Bondi, saying she simply "overpromised" what the admin had.

US Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that the Trump administration mishandled its communication over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, saying officials "absolutely screwed up the comms" while insisting there was no effort to cover up evidence. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Vance said the administration should have released all the available documents from the outset instead of allowing confusion and speculation to grow. "We absolutely screwed up the comms of the Epstein files. Like, we just did," Vance said. "But do I think the reason we screwed up the comms is because we were trying to hide something? No." Also read | Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations Vance defends Bondi despite criticism Vance also addressed criticism directed at former Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose earlier comments about the investigation drew intense scrutiny. Bondi had previously suggested that Epstein's alleged "client list" was "sitting on my desk right now," a remark that fuelled expectations of explosive disclosures. Reflecting on the episode, Vance said Bondi had simply over promised. "I know Pam. I like Pam. I don't think there was anything malicious going on," he said. "I think Pam was trying to respond to the political moment. I think she overstated what we had and what we didn't have." Bondi also came under fire after distributing binders labelled The Epstein Files: Phase 1 and Declassified to conservative commentators and influencers. Much of the material later turned out to be documents that had already been publicly released, adding to criticism that the rollout had been poorly handled. Also read | Trump photo vanishes from Epstein files, then reappears. DOJ claims it was deleted 'out of an abundance of caution' Epstein file delays fuelled public mistrust The administration's handling of the Epstein files became one of the most politically damaging controversies of Trump's second term, drawing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. After months of pressure, Congress passed legislation requiring the Justice Department to release a broader collection of records linked to federal investigations into Epstein. The department began publishing the files in December, releasing heavily redacted material that included photographs, call logs, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts. However, the extensive redactions and missed deadlines for releasing additional records sparked fresh accusations that the government was not being fully transparent.

US Vice President JD Vance has admitted the Trump administration "absolutely screwed up the comms" surrounding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, while insisting there was no attempt to hide evidence. He also defended Pam Bondi, saying she simply "overpromised" what the admin had.

'We screwed up...': JD Vance admits Trump administration botched Epstein files release

US Vice President JD Vance believes the next few weeks could shape the future of relations between Washington and Tehran, but he is not ready to declare victory just yet. Speaking on The Michael Knowles Show on Tuesday (Jun 30), Vance described the current moment as a potentially significant turning point in the long-running standoff between the two countries.<h2>'Important historical moment'</h2>During the interview, Vance outlined the Donald Trump administration's core objectives for West Asia and cautioned that much depends on how Iran responds to the economic and diplomatic pressure being applied by the US."Could this be a very important historical moment? The answer is obviously yes," Vance said. "But how exactly this plays out is very much contingent on the way that the Iranians respond to the leverage the president has put on them."While officials have spoken optimistically about the possibility of progress, Vance made it clear that scepticism remains."If they respond well, I think we're gonna look back at this and say we turned over a new leaf," he said. "A lot of people are sceptical, including me, that it will ultimately happen.""And if the Iranians perform or behave poorly, then I think that we still have a lot of leverage points to ensure that this ends up in a place that is good for America's objective," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-deal-inside-the-14-point-mou-that-ended-over-108-days-of-war-wion-decodes-donald-trump-mojtaba-khamenei-benjamin-netanyahu-lebanon-1781513800001">US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes</a><h2>Beyond a nuclear deal</h2>Vance suggested that Washington's ambitions extend well beyond a traditional nuclear agreement. According to him, the Trump administration is seeking what it describes as durable and verifiable commitments from Tehran, backed by inspections and oversight mechanisms."We want durable commitments that are verifiable and backed up by inspections that Iran will denuclearise their entire country," Vance said.The vice president said Washington is also examining how any future arrangement would fit into a wider regional framework involving Gulf Arab states, Israel and Lebanon. "We're gonna play that situation out," he said. The goal, he suggested, is to create a more stable security architecture across the Middle East rather than simply negotiate a standalone agreement with Tehran."We want to see what kind of an arrangement actually exists in the Middle East between not just Iran and the United States, but the GCC, Israel, Lebanon," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-increase-tensions-iran-issues-fresh-warning-over-strait-of-hormuz-shipping-routes-1782694812472">'Will increase tensions': Iran issues fresh warning over Strait of Hormuz shipping routes</a><h2>'The end of the beginning'</h2>Even as diplomatic activity intensifies, Vance urged observers not to read too much into every development. Quoting Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he described the current phase as "the end of the beginning" rather than the beginning of the end."There is a lot more game to play, and there are a lot more cards that we're going to see," Vance said.The vice president also expressed confidence that the administration still has significant leverage if negotiations stall or collapse."If the Iranians perform or behave poorly, then I think that we still have a lot of leverage points to ensure that this ends up in a place that is good for America's objective," he said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US Vice President JD Vance has said the coming weeks could prove to be a defining moment in US-Iran relations, but cautioned that the outcome depends heavily on how Tehran responds to American pressure.

US Vice President JD Vance believes the next few weeks could shape the future of relations between Washington and Tehran, but he is not ready to declare victory just yet. Speaking on The Michael Knowles Show on Tuesday (Jun 30), Vance described the current moment as a potentially significant turning point in the long-running standoff between the two countries. 'Important historical moment' During the interview, Vance outlined the Donald Trump administration's core objectives for West Asia and cautioned that much depends on how Iran responds to the economic and diplomatic pressure being applied by the US. "Could this be a very important historical moment? The answer is obviously yes," Vance said. "But how exactly this plays out is very much contingent on the way that the Iranians respond to the leverage the president has put on them." While officials have spoken optimistically about the possibility of progress, Vance made it clear that scepticism remains. "If they respond well, I think we're gonna look back at this and say we turned over a new leaf," he said. "A lot of people are sceptical, including me, that it will ultimately happen." "And if the Iranians perform or behave poorly, then I think that we still have a lot of leverage points to ensure that this ends up in a place that is good for America's objective," he added. Also read | US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes Beyond a nuclear deal Vance suggested that Washington's ambitions extend well beyond a traditional nuclear agreement. According to him, the Trump administration is seeking what it describes as durable and verifiable commitments from Tehran, backed by inspections and oversight mechanisms. "We want durable commitments that are verifiable and backed up by inspections that Iran will denuclearise their entire country," Vance said. The vice president said Washington is also examining how any future arrangement would fit into a wider regional framework involving Gulf Arab states, Israel and Lebanon. "We're gonna play that situation out," he said. The goal, he suggested, is to create a more stable security architecture across the Middle East rather than simply negotiate a standalone agreement with Tehran. "We want to see what kind of an arrangement actually exists in the Middle East between not just Iran and the United States, but the GCC, Israel, Lebanon," he said. Also read | 'Will increase tensions': Iran issues fresh warning over Strait of Hormuz shipping routes 'The end of the beginning' Even as diplomatic activity intensifies, Vance urged observers not to read too much into every development. Quoting Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he described the current phase as "the end of the beginning" rather than the beginning of the end. "There is a lot more game to play, and there are a lot more cards that we're going to see," Vance said. The vice president also expressed confidence that the administration still has significant leverage if negotiations stall or collapse. "If the Iranians perform or behave poorly, then I think that we still have a lot of leverage points to ensure that this ends up in a place that is good for America's objective," he said. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US Vice President JD Vance has said the coming weeks could prove to be a defining moment in US-Iran relations, but cautioned that the outcome depends heavily on how Tehran responds to American pressure.

JD Vance says coming weeks could be decisive for US-Iran ties, warns 'a lot more game to play'

A simple $8.75 maternity dress worn by Usha Vance has gone viral online, sparking widespread discussion about fashion, affordability, and public perception. Her husband JD Vance reacted humorously to the attention, calling her a “future force in leadership circles” amid the online buzz. The moment has triggered debates on how even everyday clothing choices can become political and cultural talking points in today’s social media age.


JD Vance calls wife 'next director of the federal budget' 

In a major diplomatic and military shift, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has revealed that Washington and Tehran have agreed to establish a direct communication channel between the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Vance Reveals CENTCOM-IRGC Channel for Conflict De-Escalation

US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday said that the Watergate scandal that brought down the Nixon administration would not survive more than 12 hours in today's news cycle. He compared US President Donald Trump with Richard Nixon, suggesting that both of them were targeted by the “deep state” apparatus. Vance was discussing his new book “Communion” at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, California. He suggested that the legacy of Nixon was going through a period of renaissance.“If Watergate happened tomorrow, it would be like a 12-hour news story. The idea that it would have taken down a presidency is crazy,” said Vance."If you look at the story of how the deep state took down Richard Nixon, it's not all that different from what the same groups of people, the same institutions tried to do to Donald Trump in the first Trump administration."He went on and compared himself to Nixon. “Young senator, vice president, writes some bestselling books, is hated by the media,” he said. “It kind of sounds like JD Vance. I’ve always liked Richard Nixon.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-clash-over-mou-details-frozen-assets-iaea-hormuz-1782389118033">US-Iran battle over MoU clause: Delaying conflict or seeking more concessions?</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">JD Vance: &quot;I think Nixon&#39;s historical legacy is enjoying a bit of a renaissance, and deservedly so. I joked that if Watergate happened tomorrow, it would be like a 12 hours news story. The idea that it took down a presidency is crazy.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/osy0V3QLyN">pic.twitter.com/osy0V3QLyN</a>&mdash; Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://x.com/atrupar/status/2070251368753852571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Richard Nixon, in his re-election campaign, wiretapped the Democratic headquarters, and the following US Senate hearings, which were televised nationally. The Watergate scandal and Nixon's resignation profoundly shattered public trust and permanently altered how Americans viewed their government. Along with the leaked Pentagon Papers in 1971, it proved that the highest levels of the US government would deliberately lie to the public to protect political interests.&nbsp;41-year-old Vance was not born during the investigation into Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal. Vance's ambition of being associated with Nixon invites the dark legacy of abuse of executive power and facing rebellion by his own Republican party, and the only US President to resign, Vance is probably ignoring the scandals and trying to replicate his landslide electoral victory.&nbsp;

JD Vance compared Donald Trump to Richard Nixon, claimed the "deep state" targeted both, and argued the Watergate scandal would last only 12 hours today.

US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday said that the Watergate scandal that brought down the Nixon administration would not survive more than 12 hours in today's news cycle. He compared US President Donald Trump with Richard Nixon, suggesting that both of them were targeted by the “deep state” apparatus. Vance was discussing his new book “Communion” at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, California. He suggested that the legacy of Nixon was going through a period of renaissance. “If Watergate happened tomorrow, it would be like a 12-hour news story. The idea that it would have taken down a presidency is crazy,” said Vance."If you look at the story of how the deep state took down Richard Nixon, it's not all that different from what the same groups of people, the same institutions tried to do to Donald Trump in the first Trump administration." He went on and compared himself to Nixon. “Young senator, vice president, writes some bestselling books, is hated by the media,” he said. “It kind of sounds like JD Vance. I’ve always liked Richard Nixon.” Also Read: US-Iran battle over MoU clause: Delaying conflict or seeking more concessions?

JD Vance compared Donald Trump to Richard Nixon, claimed the "deep state" targeted both, and argued the Watergate scandal would last only 12 hours today.

JD Vance compares Trump to Nixon, says Watergate would last just 12 hours today

Usha Vance has offered her most candid explanation yet on why she never converted to Christianity despite her husband, US Vice President JD Vance, embracing Catholicism. Speaking about her upbringing, Usha said she grew up in a "stable Hindu household" and never felt compelled to abandon the faith and traditions she was raised with.

The remarks come months after renewed public interest in the couple's interfaith marriage, following JD Vance's comments that he hoped his wife might one day share his religious beliefs. Usha pushed back on assumptions surrounding their relationship, saying many people misunderstood the nature of their discussions about faith.

Usha Vance Reveals Why She Never Changed Her Faith

In a June 14 interview with CBS's Robert Costa, discussing the American VP's upcoming book, 'Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith' they discussed their interfaith marriage and family life. When asked how her own religious faith had evolved alongside her husband and his conversion to Catholicism, Usha said: "I grew up in a Hindu household that was a very stable household.&nbsp;US Vice President JD Vance's wife Usha Vance has revealed why she would not convert of Christianity, despite her husband expressing his desire for her to do so. In an interview earlier this month, Usha Vance said that she grew up in a stable Hindu household and so she did not feel any need to shift to Christianity. This comes as a contrast to the statement given by JD Vance last year. In a Turning Point USA event in October 2025, JD Vance had said that he wished that Usha Vance would eventually convert to Christianity.<h2>What Usha Vance said about conversion?</h2>The couple was discussing the American VP's upcoming book, ‘Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith’. In it, Vance said that church worked for him. When asked how Usha's own religious faith had evolved alongside her husband and his conversion to Catholicism, Usha said: “I grew up in a Hindu household that was a very stable household. I have not felt the same need to seek something different that he (JD Vance) has.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Usha Vance explaining why she’s chosen to continue worshiping demons while her husband, who claims Christianity, allows it in his household. What an absolute mess. <a href="https://t.co/WRRIYAa3o3">pic.twitter.com/WRRIYAa3o3</a>&mdash; DogmaticTheoCarp (@TPageCW) <a href="https://x.com/TPageCW/status/2069408305311568310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking about his own conversion, Vance shared that Usha once told him that "Therapy didn't work for you; church does." To this Usha replied, “And it's not that therapy doesn't work for other people, but JD just didn't have the right kind of trust in that process,” she continued. “He just didn't feel at home in it, really exploring some of the feelings that he had and trying to figure out how he wanted to be the person that he wanted to be for the rest of his life.”<h2>What had JD Vance said in 2025 about conversion?</h2>"Most Sundays, Usha will come with me to church. Do I hope, eventually, that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved by in church? Yeah, honestly, I do wish that, because I believe in the Christian gospel and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way,” Vance said in Turning Point USA event. Notably, JD was an atheist most of his life but converted to Catholicism in 2019.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vance-proposed-indian-troops-for-ukraine-trump-replied-indians-won-t-do-that-new-book-claims-1782257556974">Vance proposed Indian troops for Ukraine, Trump replied ‘Indians won’t do that’: New book claims</a><h2>Vance-Usha married life and controversies</h2>JD and Usha were married in 2014 and have three children together. Vance has been targeted several times for his anti-immigration stance with critics pointing out that his wife is an immigrant. Usha Vance is Indian American, born and raised in San Diego, California, to parents who immigrated to the United States from India. Last year, Vance took to social media platform X on Dec 7 and said that mass migration is a "theft of American Dream." In a sharp criticism, netizens said that if Vance is against immigration, he should first send his children and wife to India. Rumours about tensions in JD and Usha's marriage have been floating after his hug with Erika went viral in 2025.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jd-vance-says-kristi-noem-has-great-opportunity-in-new-shields-of-america-role-wion-1773432891942/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/jd-vance-says-kristi-noem-has-great-opportunity-in-new-shields-of-america-role-wion-1773432891942/embed</a>&nbsp;In what looked like his clarification over tensions in his married life, Vance had said last year: “I think that we kind of get a kick out of it…With anything in life, you take the good with the bad. You accept that there are some sacrifices and there are some very good things that come along with it, too. But our marriage is as strong as it’s ever been, and I think Usha’s really taken to it, and it’s been kind of cool to see how she’s developed and evolved in this new role."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erika-told-usha-vance-reveals-what-convinced-his-wife-for-fourth-child-1780816827366">'Erika told Usha between sobs...': JD Vance reportedly reveals what convinced his wife for fourth child</a>&nbsp;In his new book, Vance has made new revelations about a lot of things including how Usha Vance was convinced to have a fourth baby. He wrote that it was actually American right-wing political activist and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk, who convinced Usha for the baby. Narrating an incident, he said that Erika, the crying widow of Charlie, told Usha to have more babies as she regretted having only two kids. Vance adds that Erika's words convinced Usha to have another baby. Vance and Usha are expecting their fourth child, a boy, in late July.&nbsp;

Months after JD Vance said he hoped his wife Usha would one day embrace Christianity, the couple addressed their interfaith marriage in a new interview. Usha, who was raised in a Hindu household, explained why she has not felt compelled to convert

In a June 14 interview with CBS's Robert Costa, discussing the American VP's upcoming book, 'Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith' they discussed their interfaith marriage and family life. When asked how her own religious faith had evolved alongside her husband and his conversion to Catholicism, Usha said: "I grew up in a Hindu household that was a very stable household. US Vice President JD Vance's wife Usha Vance has revealed why she would not convert of Christianity, despite her husband expressing his desire for her to do so. In an interview earlier this month, Usha Vance said that she grew up in a stable Hindu household and so she did not feel any need to shift to Christianity. This comes as a contrast to the statement given by JD Vance last year. In a Turning Point USA event in October 2025, JD Vance had said that he wished that Usha Vance would eventually convert to Christianity. What Usha Vance said about conversion? The couple was discussing the American VP's upcoming book, ‘Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith’. In it, Vance said that church worked for him. When asked how Usha's own religious faith had evolved alongside her husband and his conversion to Catholicism, Usha said: “I grew up in a Hindu household that was a very stable household. I have not felt the same need to seek something different that he (JD Vance) has.”

Months after JD Vance said he hoped his wife Usha would one day embrace Christianity, the couple addressed their interfaith marriage in a new interview. Usha, who was raised in a Hindu household, explained why she has not felt compelled to convert

'I have not felt...': Months after JD Vance's comments, Usha Vance makes BIG statement on conversion to Christianity

A new book examining US President Donald Trump's second term claims that Vice President JD Vance once suggested India could take part in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, an idea that reportedly received a dismissive response from Trump.&nbsp;The claim appears in Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, written by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The book describes a January 30 meeting in the Oval Office, held just 10 days after Trump's inauguration, where senior officials discussed options for ending the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;According to the authors, retired Army Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, presented a proposal titled “An America First Plan: Trump's Historic Peace Deal for Russia-Ukraine War.”&nbsp;Those attending the meeting included Trump, Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.&nbsp;The proposal reportedly stated that while Washington would not formally recognise Russia's claims over occupied Ukrainian territory, Kyiv would also avoid trying to reclaim those areas through military action. It further suggested deploying peacekeeping personnel from France, Britain and the Netherlands to oversee a ceasefire.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/train-services-halted-across-germany-after-communication-system-failure-1782253198112">Train services halted across Germany after communication system failure</a>&nbsp;Vance reportedly questioned the wisdom of sending troops from NATO countries, arguing that such a move could provoke Russia and increase the risk of deeper US involvement in the conflict.&nbsp;When he asked whether countries outside Europe could take on that role, Waltz reportedly responded that support from non-European nations would be preferable.&nbsp;According to the book, “Vance suggested Saudi Arabia or India. Trump chuckled.”Trump reportedly dismissed the idea, saying, “The Indians won’t do that. They won’t pay for something like that.”&nbsp;The authors further claim that Trump mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's positive relationship with him and his desire to visit, before adding that “the Indians do not ever pay for anything.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">So VP JD Vance Suggested Indian troops could be deployed in Ukraine as peace keeping mission &amp; President Trump then quipped that PM MODI really liked him, but Indians dont ever pay for anything. (This snippet is from a White House meeting in early 2025 - From Latest Book… <a href="https://t.co/UsW7lCfjOh">pic.twitter.com/UsW7lCfjOh</a>&mdash; Navroop Singh (@TheNavroopSingh) <a href="https://x.com/TheNavroopSingh/status/2069316718036713512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The discussion also touched on concerns about Moscow's response to foreign troops in Ukraine. The book says that a month later, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Rubio that Russia would regard troops from NATO countries in Ukraine as “unacceptable,” even if they operated under another banner.&nbsp;The authors also write that Trump repeatedly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the meeting.&nbsp;“He’s a bad negotiator,” Trump reportedly said. “And he’s destroyed his country. But he was really good at getting stuff from the Biden administration.”

The book claims Trump spoke about his cordial ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the latter's desire to visit, then remarked that “the Indians do not ever pay for anything,” referring to troop deployment.

A new book examining US President Donald Trump's second term claims that Vice President JD Vance once suggested India could take part in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, an idea that reportedly received a dismissive response from Trump. The claim appears in Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, written by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The book describes a January 30 meeting in the Oval Office, held just 10 days after Trump's inauguration, where senior officials discussed options for ending the Russia-Ukraine war. According to the authors, retired Army Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, presented a proposal titled “An America First Plan: Trump's Historic Peace Deal for Russia-Ukraine War.” Those attending the meeting included Trump, Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. The proposal reportedly stated that while Washington would not formally recognise Russia's claims over occupied Ukrainian territory, Kyiv would also avoid trying to reclaim those areas through military action. It further suggested deploying peacekeeping personnel from France, Britain and the Netherlands to oversee a ceasefire. Also Read: Train services halted across Germany after communication system failure Vance reportedly questioned the wisdom of sending troops from NATO countries, arguing that such a move could provoke Russia and increase the risk of deeper US involvement in the conflict. When he asked whether countries outside Europe could take on that role, Waltz reportedly responded that support from non-European nations would be preferable. According to the book, “Vance suggested Saudi Arabia or India. Trump chuckled.” Trump reportedly dismissed the idea, saying, “The Indians won’t do that. They won’t pay for something like that.” The authors further claim that Trump mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's positive relationship with him and his desire to visit, before adding that “the Indians do not ever pay for anything.”

The book claims Trump spoke about his cordial ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the latter's desire to visit, then remarked that “the Indians do not ever pay for anything,” referring to troop deployment.

Vance proposed Indian troops for Ukraine, Trump replied ‘Indians won’t do that’: New book claims

US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that Iran has agreed to allow nuclear inspectors from the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency back into the country for inspections of its nuclear sites and material and added, “We have made a lot of great progress on nuclear talks.”Vance said allowing the nuclear inspectors back in is “probably what we’re most excited about as Americans.” He called it a “very, very good day”.&nbsp;“That is a major milestone for the American people, and the first step in permanently denuclearising or permanently ending a nuclear weapons programme in Iran,” Vance said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Yesterday was a very, very good day. We made a lot of good progress,” says <a href="https://x.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> on the four big accomplishments negotiated yesterday in Switzerland. “The Iranians have agreed to invite IAEA inspectors back into their country. That is a major milestone for the American people and… <a href="https://t.co/bljnaW74xg">pic.twitter.com/bljnaW74xg</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2069020200888877504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/cred-founder-kunal-shah-becomes-global-ceo-of-whatsapp-meta-invests-900-million-in-fintech-startup-1782137297377">CRED founder Kunal Shah becomes global CEO of WhatsApp as Meta invests $900 million in startup</a>&nbsp;Vance further said that he expected IAEA inspections, which were carried out for years under the previous JPCOA nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration, to resume “as soon as this week”.&nbsp;<h2>‘Four objectives achieved in talks’: Vance</h2>&nbsp;Vance said four objectives had been achieved in talks so far: allowing the IAEA nuclear inspectors, building a mechanism to open the Strait of Hormuz, building a mechanism for “deconfliction for the regional ceasefire” in Lebanon, and stepping up a process for future negotiations.Vance told reporters in Switzerland that though he will be heading back to the US, the technical talks with Iran will continue “over the weeks and days to come.”“We laid a very good foundation for a successful, final deal,” Vance said, adding, “There is still a lot to do.”&nbsp;Vance touted “good progress” in the first direct talks between the US and Iran and called the past 24 hours “probably the most peaceful that we’ve seen” in Lebanon since the war began. Israel’s conflict with Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon derailed efforts for peace talks on several occasions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/14-students-killed-in-fire-at-animation-centre-in-lucknow-many-jump-from-1st-floor-1782130828955">15 killed in fire at animation centre in Lucknow; many jump off 1st floor</a><h2>US-Iran war and Israel-Hezbollah fight a ‘bit of chicken-and-egg problem’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Vance referred to the US-Iran war and the Israel-Hezbollah fight as a “bit of a chicken-and-egg problem” and even suggested that some of the strikes may have been ordered by a “junior guy who fires a drone that didn’t have approval from the high command.”Vance said Israel and every other nation has the right to self-defence, but if the conflict spirals out of control, that’s worse for everybody’s self-defence and security.&nbsp;Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also reported “good progress” in Sunday’s first round of talks.&nbsp;Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei earlier downplayed talks about the Iranian nuclear programme on Sunday, telling reporters there had been “a very brief discussion” on the topic, “but there was no discussion of details, and it cannot be said that negotiations on the nuclear issue have begun.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/6-shiv-sena-ubt-rebel-mps-join-eknath-shinde-s-shiv-sena-1782129323513">6 Shiv Sena (UBT) rebel MPs join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena</a>&nbsp;<h2>US Treasury clears Iran to sell its oil on global markets through August</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US Treasury on Monday cleared Iran to start selling its oil and gas.The Treasury confirmed in a statement that it was waiving all existing US sanctions on “the Production, Delivery and Sale of Crude Oil, Petrochemical Products, and Petroleum Products of Iranian-Origin through August 21, 2026.”&nbsp;Iran’s oil and gas sales had been heavily sanctioned by the US government since President Donald Trump launched his “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran after unilaterally pulling out the US of the previous nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration.The lifting of the sanctions will give Iran a huge financial boost.

Vice President JD Vance said that he expects that the IAEA inspections, which were carried out for years under the previous JPCOA nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration, will resume “as soon as this week”. He added that he will be returning to the US, but the talks will continue.

US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that Iran has agreed to allow nuclear inspectors from the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency back into the country for inspections of its nuclear sites and material and added, “We have made a lot of great progress on nuclear talks.” Vance said allowing the nuclear inspectors back in is “probably what we’re most excited about as Americans.” He called it a “very, very good day”. “That is a major milestone for the American people, and the first step in permanently denuclearising or permanently ending a nuclear weapons programme in Iran,” Vance said.

Vice President JD Vance said that he expects that the IAEA inspections, which were carried out for years under the previous JPCOA nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration, will resume “as soon as this week”. He added that he will be returning to the US, but the talks will continue.

Vance says Iran has agreed to resume IAEA nuclear inspections, probably by ‘this week’

The US Treasury Department on Monday issued a general license authorising the sale of production, delivery and sale of Iranian oil. The authorisation follows a negotiation which was described by US Vice President JD Vance as “a lot of good progress”, and a “very good foundation”. The license is likely to expire on August 21, unless renewed. It was part of a move promised under the Memorandum of Understanding reached by Washington and Iran last week. In exchange, Iran will open the Strait of Hormuz and allow IAEA nuclear inspectors to verify Iran's compliance with the preliminary agreement."In line ​with the ongoing productive talks in Switzerland, Iran has committed to ​free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz and to permit International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors into their country," Treasury Secretary Scott ​Bessent said in a post on X. However, the license does not authorise the sale of oil to Cuba, North Korea and the Crimea region of Ukraine."As part of the ​framework, Treasury has issued a temporary 60-day general license authorising the production, ‌delivery, ⁠and sale of Iranian oil," read the post. The US had already lifted the blockade of Iran’s ports and coastal areas last Thursday. According to trade intelligence firm Kpler, ship traffic through Hormuz rose sharply to 35 crossings on Saturday before declining to 17 over confusion about whether the Strait is open or closed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Under President <a href="https://x.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and <a href="https://x.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>, we continue to make the world safer and more prosperous. In line with the ongoing productive talks in Switzerland, Iran has committed to free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz and to permit International Atomic Energy Agency…&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/2069048901185810867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-deconfliction-cell-us-iran-israel-ceasefire-explained-1782122911907">Iran widening the US-Israel divide: Lebanon De confliction cell to push Israel to the edge</a><h2>Vance suggests Iran should buy US products with frozen assets</h2>US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Washington is exploring a proposal to unfreeze certain Iranian assets under a strictly managed framework, where the Iranian funds will be used to purchase US agri products, such as including corn, soy, and wheat. The proposal argues for an indirect transfer of funds instead of a direct liquid transfer, rationalising the prevention of use of the funds for weapons purchase. Vance said that Kushner and Qatari officials came up with the suggestion. The Qataris and the US will jointly approve the process. Vance highlighted that the deal serves two purposes: ensuring that "money goes to help the people of Iran" while simultaneously making “American farmers richer”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">.<a href="https://x.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> says the negotiating team accomplished a &quot;classic Trump deal&quot; in Switzerland. &quot;Where IF Iranian assets are ever unfrozen, they&#39;re going to go to make American farmers richer, and to feed the Iranian people... that&#39;s great for our people, great for the people of Iran, and… <a href="https://t.co/C2KmCPvTob">pic.twitter.com/C2KmCPvTob</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2069037293583708404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The US has authorised Iranian oil production and sales for 60 days following progress in Switzerland talks. Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and permit IAEA inspections, while Washington considers using frozen Iranian assets to purchase US agricultural products

The US Treasury Department on Monday issued a general license authorising the sale of production, delivery and sale of Iranian oil. The authorisation follows a negotiation which was described by US Vice President JD Vance as “a lot of good progress”, and a “very good foundation”. The license is likely to expire on August 21, unless renewed. It was part of a move promised under the Memorandum of Understanding reached by Washington and Iran last week. In exchange, Iran will open the Strait of Hormuz and allow IAEA nuclear inspectors to verify Iran's compliance with the preliminary agreement. "In line with the ongoing productive talks in Switzerland, Iran has committed to free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz and to permit International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors into their country," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a post on X. However, the license does not authorise the sale of oil to Cuba, North Korea and the Crimea region of Ukraine. "As part of the framework, Treasury has issued a temporary 60-day general license authorising the production, ‌delivery, ⁠and sale of Iranian oil," read the post. The US had already lifted the blockade of Iran’s ports and coastal areas last Thursday. According to trade intelligence firm Kpler, ship traffic through Hormuz rose sharply to 35 crossings on Saturday before declining to 17 over confusion about whether the Strait is open or closed.

The US has authorised Iranian oil production and sales for 60 days following progress in Switzerland talks. Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and permit IAEA inspections, while Washington considers using frozen Iranian assets to purchase US agricultural products

US issues 60-day license for Iranian oil sales, explores Iranian frozen assets for US farm products

A video from US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland circulating on social media has drawn attention from internet sleuths. The footage appears to show Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani greeting Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while not engaging with US Vice President JD Vance standing next to him. Many netizens interpreted this as a snub of Vance as Al Thani chose to walk past him while he watched him awkwardly.However, as the discussion commenced, Al Thani shared a picture on Social media with JD Vance working on his laptop, himself sitting next and making suggestions. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was also in the frame, observing and listening attentively. The post had the caption “Live from Lucerne, work continues.” All these exchanges were unfolding at the Burgenstock resort, in Switzerland, on Sunday, June 21, as the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan gathered for the quadrilateral talk to discuss the technicalities of the newly discussed Memorandum of Understanding.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-ram-temple-donation-theft-bjp-cbi-ed-ayodhya-1782061214899">'Not a single FIR': Arvind Kejriwal questions lack of action in Ram temple donation 'theft' case</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🇺🇸🇶🇦 This is BRUTAL. Vance flew to Geneva for the Iran talks and the Qatari minister just flat out refused to greet him The Geneva talks are already suspended, Iran walked out of the photo-op, and now Vance is standing there with an outstretched hand and nobody taking it. The… <a href="https://t.co/IXltnU1QMD">https://t.co/IXltnU1QMD</a> <a href="https://t.co/nw8F9W1wPr">pic.twitter.com/nw8F9W1wPr</a>&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://x.com/MarioNawfal/status/2068841394135835089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Live from Lucerne, work continues with <a href="https://x.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> &amp; <a href="https://x.com/jaredkushner?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jaredkushner</a>. <a href="https://t.co/MhTtjbNuGK">pic.twitter.com/MhTtjbNuGK</a>&mdash; محمد بن عبدالرحمن (@MBA_AlThani_) <a href="https://x.com/MBA_AlThani_/status/2068856739940676076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Qatar's role in the mediation</h2>“It’s important to note that Qatar only became a mediator after Pakistan succeeded in reaching a certain level of stabilisation — the ceasefire, the initial Islamabad talks, regardless of their outcome,” said Rashid Al-Mohanadi, vice president at the Centre for International Policy Research. Pakistanis engaged when the region was reaching a boiling point, when Qataris and Omanis could not have done anything. Pakistan could communicate with Iran due to their shared diplomatic concerns about Israeli aggression in the region.Analysts suggest that, compared to the JCPOA brokered by Obama in 2015, this deal seems more promising due to the presence of wider regional stakes. It gives everyone an agency for grievance, either about Iran's interference in the region or about Israel's unilateral aggression, which was absent earlier. The European leadership involved in the JCPOA rarely bothered about non-Western actors. “Now there is a chance for this region to take some agency and develop a new security architecture that everybody can either subscribe to now, or that gains enough critical mass for other actors to join later,” said Al-Mohanadi.

A viral video from the US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland sparked speculation that Qatar PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani snubbed US Vice President JD Vance. However, a new photo from the negotiations suggests otherwise.

A video from US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland circulating on social media has drawn attention from internet sleuths. The footage appears to show Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani greeting Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while not engaging with US Vice President JD Vance standing next to him. Many netizens interpreted this as a snub of Vance as Al Thani chose to walk past him while he watched him awkwardly. However, as the discussion commenced, Al Thani shared a picture on Social media with JD Vance working on his laptop, himself sitting next and making suggestions. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was also in the frame, observing and listening attentively. The post had the caption “Live from Lucerne, work continues.” All these exchanges were unfolding at the Burgenstock resort, in Switzerland, on Sunday, June 21, as the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan gathered for the quadrilateral talk to discuss the technicalities of the newly discussed Memorandum of Understanding. Also Read: 'Not a single FIR': Arvind Kejriwal questions lack of action in Ram temple donation 'theft' case

A viral video from the US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland sparked speculation that Qatar PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani snubbed US Vice President JD Vance. However, a new photo from the negotiations suggests otherwise.

JD Vance 'snubbed' at US-Iran peace talks? Qatar PM shares photo with JD Vance after viral video

As US-Iran peace talks continue despite a tense opening round, US Vice President JD Vance shared a personal perspective on his connection with India and Pakistan. Speaking amid high-stakes diplomatic negotiations, Vance reflected on his family ties and regional understanding while discussions on the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon, and broader Middle East security remain in focus. What does his South Asian connection mean for US diplomacy in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape?


US-Iran Peace Talks: US Vice President On His Connection With India & Pakistan

US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday (June 21) praised Pakistan’s leadership for helping advance negotiations between the United States and Iran, saying the talks had reached a significant stage where leaders from both countries were prepared to address some of their most pressing issues.&nbsp;Speaking at a quadrilateral meeting involving Pakistan, Qatar, Iran and the United States in Switzerland, Vance credited Pakistan, particularly Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, with playing a key role in facilitating the diplomatic process.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-no-intention-of-building-a-bomb-pezeshkian-says-ready-to-guarantee-no-nuke-weapons-but-there-s-a-condition-1782040509353">‘We have no intention of building a bomb’: Pezeshkian says ready to guarantee no nuke weapons. But there’s a condition</a>&nbsp;Vance also struck a lighter note while addressing reporters, joking that there had been only two important people in his life over the past three months, one Indian and one Pakistani.&nbsp;“I will say that since Field Marshal Munir welcomed us with the prime minister in Islamabad, I have joked that I have two very, very important people in my life, an Indian and a Pakistani. The Indian is my wife and the Pakistani is Field Marshal Munir and I’ve probably talked to Munir more than I’ve talked to anybody else over the last three months,” Vance said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-wants-to-be-friends-again-in-order-to-get-her-numbers-up-trump-escalates-tensions-with-meloni-1781969131299">'She wants to be friends again in order to get her numbers up': Trump escalates tensions with Meloni</a>&nbsp;The US Vice President said Washington and Tehran would not have reached the current stage of negotiations without Munir’s efforts and diplomatic engagement.&nbsp;“He is of course a great military leader but I think he’s shown himself to be a great diplomat and of course who’s an amazing friend of the United States of America. But it has been also an important part of getting us to this point,” Vance said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/got-away-with-murder-for-47-years-trump-hits-at-iran-calls-it-world-s-number-one-sponsor-of-terror-1781956806079">‘Got away with murder’ for 47 years, Trump hits out at Iran, calls it ‘world’s number one sponsor of terror’</a>

US Vice President JD Vance praised Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for facilitating crucial US-Iran negotiations, jokingly noting an Indian (his wife) and a Pakistani (Munir) run his life.

US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday (June 21) praised Pakistan’s leadership for helping advance negotiations between the United States and Iran, saying the talks had reached a significant stage where leaders from both countries were prepared to address some of their most pressing issues. Speaking at a quadrilateral meeting involving Pakistan, Qatar, Iran and the United States in Switzerland, Vance credited Pakistan, particularly Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, with playing a key role in facilitating the diplomatic process. Also read: ‘We have no intention of building a bomb’: Pezeshkian says ready to guarantee no nuke weapons. But there’s a condition Vance also struck a lighter note while addressing reporters, joking that there had been only two important people in his life over the past three months, one Indian and one Pakistani. “I will say that since Field Marshal Munir welcomed us with the prime minister in Islamabad, I have joked that I have two very, very important people in my life, an Indian and a Pakistani. The Indian is my wife and the Pakistani is Field Marshal Munir and I’ve probably talked to Munir more than I’ve talked to anybody else over the last three months,” Vance said. Also read: 'She wants to be friends again in order to get her numbers up': Trump escalates tensions with Meloni The US Vice President said Washington and Tehran would not have reached the current stage of negotiations without Munir’s efforts and diplomatic engagement. “He is of course a great military leader but I think he’s shown himself to be a great diplomat and of course who’s an amazing friend of the United States of America. But it has been also an important part of getting us to this point,” Vance said. Also read: ‘Got away with murder’ for 47 years, Trump hits out at Iran, calls it ‘world’s number one sponsor of terror’

US Vice President JD Vance praised Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for facilitating crucial US-Iran negotiations, jokingly noting an Indian (his wife) and a Pakistani (Munir) run his life.

‘An Indian and a Pakistani run my life’: JD Vance at Switzerland talks

US Vice President JD Vance, just before jetting off to Switzerland, said that “things are getting better”, despite recent reports of 16 deaths and 12 wounded from ongoing military strikes in the country's Nabatieh district. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews as reporters asked what the US plans to do as the fighting in Lebanon continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Well, Marco (Rubio) and the entire team have been actively managing what’s going on in Lebanon,” said Vance and continued, "Despite the headlines, things are actually getting better there, and things have calmed down a little bit. It’s gonna be something we’re just going to have to continuously manage to ensure that, you know, Israel and Lebanon are both safe and secure."Vance used a chicken and egg analogy, implying that each side is blaming the other - “you've just got to stop the shooting for long enough to get the ceasefire to keep hold.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool-vandalism-algae-bloom-1781963198624">Trump claims Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was vandalised after $14.7 million renovation</a>Iran's lead negotiator and Speaker of the Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said that this visit to Switzerland, or the meeting that’s going to take place with the Americans, does not mean the start of the technical talks. He said that they are going to Switzerland just to remind the Americans that first they need to implement or at least initiate the implementation of the MoU, and that the technical talks are going to take place once the Americans accept that. They are set to meet special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are already in Switzerland.&nbsp;According to Lebanon's civil defence agency, overnight military strikes targeting the southern Nabatieh district resulted in 16 dead and 12 wounded. Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has expressed reservations about his country’s interim peace deal with the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance said conditions in Lebanon are improving despite reports of 16 deaths in Nabatieh. His remarks come ahead of US-Iran discussions in Switzerland involving Steve Witkoff and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

US Vice President JD Vance, just before jetting off to Switzerland, said that “things are getting better”, despite recent reports of 16 deaths and 12 wounded from ongoing military strikes in the country's Nabatieh district. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews as reporters asked what the US plans to do as the fighting in Lebanon continues. “Well, Marco (Rubio) and the entire team have been actively managing what’s going on in Lebanon,” said Vance and continued, "Despite the headlines, things are actually getting better there, and things have calmed down a little bit. It’s gonna be something we’re just going to have to continuously manage to ensure that, you know, Israel and Lebanon are both safe and secure." Vance used a chicken and egg analogy, implying that each side is blaming the other - “you've just got to stop the shooting for long enough to get the ceasefire to keep hold.” Also Read: Trump claims Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was vandalised after $14.7 million renovation Iran's lead negotiator and Speaker of the Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said that this visit to Switzerland, or the meeting that’s going to take place with the Americans, does not mean the start of the technical talks. He said that they are going to Switzerland just to remind the Americans that first they need to implement or at least initiate the implementation of the MoU, and that the technical talks are going to take place once the Americans accept that. They are set to meet special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are already in Switzerland. According to Lebanon's civil defence agency, overnight military strikes targeting the southern Nabatieh district resulted in 16 dead and 12 wounded. Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has expressed reservations about his country’s interim peace deal with the United States.

US Vice President JD Vance said conditions in Lebanon are improving despite reports of 16 deaths in Nabatieh. His remarks come ahead of US-Iran discussions in Switzerland involving Steve Witkoff and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

JD Vance says Lebanon situation is ‘getting better’ despite 16 deaths ahead of Switzerland talks

High-stakes diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran are set to begin in Switzerland, aimed at solidifying the recent interim peace agreement. Following the signing of a 14-point memorandum of understanding, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and high-level Iranian officials have arrived to initiate technical negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the stabilization of the Lebanon conflict. The process faces severe pressure as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate, casting uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire.  


US-Iran Peace Deal on the Brink! High-stakes Talks Kick Off in Switzerland

US-Iran Peace Deal: New Round of Negotiations Over West Asia War to Kick Off 

US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday issued a sharp public rebuke to Israeli critics of the Iran deal, telling members of Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet to "wake up and smell the reality" and warning them against attacking the United States, which he described as Israel's only powerful ally.&nbsp;Speaking at a White House briefing amid growing tensions between Donald Trump and sections of the Israeli government, Vance said those opposing the agreement were ignoring a fundamental reality.&nbsp;"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, and he happens to be the head of state of the world's superpower," Vance told reporters.&nbsp;He then delivered a pointed warning to Israeli ministers, saying, "If I were 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."&nbsp;<h2>Vance takes aim at Israeli ministers attacking the deal</h2>While crediting Netanyahu for not personally criticising the agreement, Vance expressed frustration with members of the Israeli cabinet who have continued to attack the deal. He underscored the scale of US military support for Israel, touting Washington's role in the country's defence.&nbsp;"Over the last three months, two-thirds of the defensive weapons that have protected your homeland have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars," he said.&nbsp;Vance escalated his criticism further, arguing that Israeli leaders blaming Trump were fundamentally misreading the situation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lifts-naval-blockade-as-mou-comes-into-force-what-s-next-for-us-iran-1781811406358">US military lifts naval blockade as MoU comes into force; what's next for US-Iran?</a>&nbsp;"The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump, and anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the president of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation."&nbsp;In an interview with The New York Times published on Thursday, Vance directly named Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich among those criticising the agreement.&nbsp;"I guess my response to them would be, 'What is your exact proposal? You're a country of nine million people. You can't just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have."&nbsp;Vance's remarks come against the backdrop of growing differences between Washington and some members of the Israeli government over the Iran agreement and the broader regional ceasefire.&nbsp;Although the United States and Israel jointly launched military operations against Iran on February 28, Trump has repeatedly objected to continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, warning that they could jeopardise the agreement with Tehran and the peace process launched after the signing of the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding between the US president and his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday

Vance said two-thirds of the defensive weapons protecting Israel were supplied and funded by the United States, arguing that Israel should not antagonise President Donald Trump, whom he described as its strongest ally.

US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday issued a sharp public rebuke to Israeli critics of the Iran deal, telling members of Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet to "wake up and smell the reality" and warning them against attacking the United States, which he described as Israel's only powerful ally. Speaking at a White House briefing amid growing tensions between Donald Trump and sections of the Israeli government, Vance said those opposing the agreement were ignoring a fundamental reality. "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, and he happens to be the head of state of the world's superpower," Vance told reporters. He then delivered a pointed warning to Israeli ministers, saying, "If I were 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 takes aim at Israeli ministers attacking the deal While crediting Netanyahu for not personally criticising the agreement, Vance expressed frustration with members of the Israeli cabinet who have continued to attack the deal. He underscored the scale of US military support for Israel, touting Washington's role in the country's defence. "Over the last three months, two-thirds of the defensive weapons that have protected your homeland have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars," he said. Vance escalated his criticism further, arguing that Israeli leaders blaming Trump were fundamentally misreading the situation. Also Read: US military lifts naval blockade as MoU comes into force; what's next for US-Iran? "The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump, and anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the president of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation." In an interview with The New York Times published on Thursday, Vance directly named Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich among those criticising the agreement. "I guess my response to them would be, 'What is your exact proposal? You're a country of nine million people. You can't just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have." Vance's remarks come against the backdrop of growing differences between Washington and some members of the Israeli government over the Iran agreement and the broader regional ceasefire. Although the United States and Israel jointly launched military operations against Iran on February 28, Trump has repeatedly objected to continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, warning that they could jeopardise the agreement with Tehran and the peace process launched after the signing of the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding between the US president and his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday

Vance said two-thirds of the defensive weapons protecting Israel were supplied and funded by the United States, arguing that Israel should not antagonise President Donald Trump, whom he described as its strongest ally.

'Israel should wake up and smell reality': Vance warns Netanyahu and cabinet over attacking Iran deal

US Vice President JD Vance has said that Israel “cannot kill its way out” of its long-standing security challenges, stressing the need for a broader diplomatic approach. His remarks come as he defends the US-backed memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing tensions with Iran and ending the prolonged conflict dynamics in the region.


White House Briefing: JD Vance Defends US-Iran Deal Amid Israel Criticism 

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US-Iran Peace Talks: US Vice President On His Connection With India & Pakistan

‘An Indian and a Pakistani run my life’: JD Vance at Switzerland talks