US Vice President JD Vance issued a sharp warning to Israeli critics of the newly signed US-Iran peace agreement, urging them not to undermine their relationship with Washington as criticism of the deal intensifies.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Vance strongly defended President Donald Trump’s preliminary agreement with Iran, calling it a major diplomatic achievement and a “win for the American people.”
“Trump is the only head of state in the world currently sympathetic to Israel,” Vance said, adding that Israeli officials should avoid attacking “their only powerful ally.”
The agreement, signed this week, has sparked criticism from Israeli lawmakers and some Republicans in Washington, who argue it grants Iran economic relief without directly addressing Tehran’s ballistic missile programme or fully dismantling its nuclear infrastructure.
Vance said the 60-day negotiation window for a final deal has now begun, with talks expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security concerns.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei responded by saying Tehran would not accept “excessive demands” from Washington, describing the deal as something Trump agreed to “out of desperation.”
The agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and temporary sanctions relief on Iranian oil exports, moves expected to ease pressure on global energy markets.
However, the deal has raised concern in Israel and among Gulf states because it leaves Iran’s missile capabilities untouched. Critics argue this could strengthen Tehran’s military position and regional influence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to formally endorse the agreement, while some members of his cabinet have described it as a strategic setback for Israel.
Despite the criticism, the Trump administration insists the agreement is only the first step and says stricter conditions could be imposed if Iran fails to comply in the next round of negotiations.
