Vance Warns Israel It Cannot Veto 60-Day Iran Deal
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 22
Vance Warns Israel It Cannot Veto 60-Day Iran Deal
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 22
Summary
JD Vance publicly told Israel not to "attack" its only powerful ally while defending President Donald Trump's memorandum with Iran, signaling Israeli objections will no longer automatically dictate US policy.
The warning came as the Trump administration opened a 60-day process to turn a fragile ceasefire into a broader regional framework with Iran, including sanctions relief, economic recovery, Strait of Hormuz access and nuclear limits.
Vance also criticized Israeli strikes on Beirut that killed civilians, saying they risked jeopardizing diplomacy as Washington grew frustrated with what officials see as efforts to derail the talks.
His remarks underscored Israel's dependence on US backing—Vance said about two-thirds of its defensive weapons are American-built or financed—and highlighted Israel's deeper diplomatic isolation after the Gaza and Lebanon wars.
The dispute points to a wider strategic split: Trump is betting on diplomacy with Iran to stabilize the region, while Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to pressure and confrontation.
Can the historic US-Israel security alliance survive this new diplomatic pivot to Iran?
With a $300 billion deal on the table, is the US trading its alliance with Israel for a new order with Iran?
U.S.-Iran 2026: The 60-Day Negotiation That Reshaped American Policy and Isolated Israel
Overview
On June 18, 2026, the United States and Iran signed an initial deal to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, launching a 60-day negotiation period to address Iran’s nuclear program and other key issues. Vice President JD Vance announced this shift, while President Trump kept the option to resume attacks if talks failed. Israel quickly voiced deep concern and declared it would not be bound by parts of the agreement, highlighting a public rift. This U.S. decision marked a fundamental reorientation of its Middle East policy, signaling a move toward independent strategic interests over automatic alignment with Israel.