As the United States moves closer to finalizing a peace agreement with , President is relying on two sharply contrasting figures in his administration: Vice President and Secretary of State .
Vance, known for his anti-war and relatively moderate stance, has emerged as a key advocate for diplomacy, while Rubio represents a more hawkish and pro-Israel position. According to senior administration officials, the two men reflect different sides of Trump’s own political instincts.
Internal discussions over a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 revealed their diverging positions. Vance reportedly argued that Trump should move quickly to secure the agreement before the midterm elections, aiming to end regional hostilities and keep the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz open.
Rubio, however, alongside CIA Director , expressed reservations over the deal’s long-term viability. Despite his concerns, Rubio has not opposed the negotiations and recently briefed lawmakers in support of the framework.
A senior adviser described the dynamic between the two as less of a rivalry and more like “different tools in a Swiss Army knife” — both controlled by Trump.
The situation has become more complicated as the negotiations now involve not only Washington and Tehran, but also and . Alongside the June 17 US-Iran understanding, Vance reportedly facilitated a separate agreement on Lebanon during talks in Switzerland on June 21, while Rubio later oversaw a peace framework between Israel and Lebanon.
Rubio’s proposal focused on limiting Iranian influence in Lebanon and pushing for the disarmament of . In contrast, Vance’s track emphasized including Iran in discussions related to a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
These parallel tracks have created confusion among Israeli and Lebanese mediators, who are seeking clarity on Washington’s actual policy direction. However, US officials insist there is no contradiction between the two approaches.
The final outcome of the Iran negotiations is expected to carry major implications—not only for stability in the Middle East and global oil markets, but also for the 2028 Republican presidential race. Some insiders speculate that the political fortunes of both Vance and Rubio could be shaped by whether Trump’s Iran strategy succeeds.
