U.S. Vice President JD Vance has accused some Israeli leaders of attempting to influence American public opinion in an effort to prolong the conflict with Iran. According to Vance, certain Israeli officials have sought to persuade Americans to support a longer military campaign, arguing that such efforts are aimed at maintaining U.S. backing for continued hostilities rather than pursuing a swift resolution to the conflict.
In an interview with podcast host Joe Rogan, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said he trusts some members of the Israeli government but believes others are attempting to influence American public opinion in order to prolong the conflict with Iran indefinitely.
“There are people who are trying to shape our citizens’ views and keep an endless war going,” Vance said.
During the interview, Vance also alleged that some officials within the Israeli government had sought to persuade the United States to abandon diplomatic negotiations with Iran.
“I think we’ve seen a well-funded, behind-the-scenes campaign aimed at stopping the negotiations and derailing a potential agreement,” he said.
Vance added that there was “clear evidence” that some Israeli leaders were dissatisfied with the proposed deal.
The Israeli government has not yet responded publicly to Vance’s remarks.
In recent weeks, the United States and Iran had resumed diplomatic talks and signed a preliminary agreement intended to pave the way for a comprehensive and lasting peace accord.
Tensions over the Strait of Hormuz later resurfaced, with the United States intensifying its military strikes against Iran while Tehran continued launching attacks on U.S. allies across the Middle East.
Vance played a prominent role in diplomatic efforts concerning Iran. He participated in talks held in Pakistan in April and traveled to Switzerland in June to officially launch peace negotiations that were expected to last 60 days.
Speaking to Joe Rogan, Vance said he was not troubled by criticism from some members of the Israeli government over the U.S. approach to Iran, arguing that it is normal for foreign governments to try to influence the decisions of other states.
“What concerns me is when Americans—or the American government—allow those efforts to shape their thinking and influence the policies they support,” he said.
In February 2026, the United States and Israel carried out major military strikes against Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with attacks on Israel and U.S.-aligned countries in the Persian Gulf. The fighting also spread into Lebanon.
Israel maintains that Iran poses a significant threat to its national security and insists that Tehran’s weapons programs should be dismantled. It has also called for fundamental political changes within Iran’s leadership.
