JD Vance Defends Emerging Iran Framework, Says Relief Depends on Tehran’s Behavior

U.S. Vice President JD Vance defended the emerging memorandum of understanding with Iran in an interview overnight with Megyn Kelly, saying Washington is not sending money directly to Tehran and that any economic benefit would depend on a real, verified change in Iranian behavior. His remarks came amid sharp criticism in Israel and elsewhere over the deal framework.

Vance pushed back at Israeli criticism, including comments by broadcaster Yinon Magal that President Donald Trump had come out looking like a loser. Vance said people were buying into Iranian propaganda and accused Tehran of offering “endless conflict” that would continue “until every bomb drops or until every Iranian dies.” He added, “That is not what the president wants.”

He described the plan as a regional peace agreement that would involve the Gulf states, Israel and Lebanon. Vance stressed that the accord would not give Iran “a blank check” and would instead include strict monitoring meant to ensure funds do not reach terrorist groups.

On the financial side, Vance said the administration would closely track every transfer and make sure the money goes only to legitimate civilian projects. He said, “If Iran funds Hezbollah, we will not allow a pile of unfrozen assets to flow to the Iranians.” He also rejected claims that the U.S. is simply giving Tehran money, saying sanctions relief or investment would only be allowed if Iran changes course and uses resources to rebuild and create “some prosperity” for its people.

The Israeli security establishment, meanwhile, reportedly assesses that Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, does not actually want a final nuclear deal, and that Tehran’s approval of the framework is driven mainly by immediate economic interests, including the desire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and give the regime an economic boost.