Vance Scolds Israeli Critics of Iran Deal, Says Trump Is Only Ally
US Vice-President JD Vance has sharply rebuked Israeli government critics of the US deal with Iran, warning that Donald Trump remains Israel's only powerful ally in the world. Speaking at the White House, Vance responded to reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was furious over the agreement.
“If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” Vance told reporters. He emphasized that two-thirds of the defensive weapons protecting Israel have been built by American hands and funded by American taxpayers. The United States provides approximately $4 billion in military assistance to Israel annually.
Vance defended the deal signed this week to end the war with Iran, which critics in both the US and Israel have denounced for failing to curb Iran's missile program and providing no clear path to dismantling its nuclear facilities, while also constraining Israel in its conflict with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
Iran Plans Fees on Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, Iran announced plans to introduce a system of maritime fees in the Strait of Hormuz within two months, following the 60-day negotiation period triggered by the signing of the memorandum of understanding. Tehran stated that the strait is under its control and that a European plan for a naval mission to escort ships through the waterway would not be welcome. The warning came as Iran claimed a historic victory over the US.
Netanyahu reportedly said Israel would maintain a “security zone” in southern Lebanon for as long as needed, while Trump stated the US expects “a complete ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel.”
Other Key US Politics Stories
- White House Ballroom Funds: The Trump administration has quietly redirected $352 million in federal funds designated for the Secret Service toward the president's controversial White House ballroom project, despite promises that construction would be financed by private donations.
- Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook: Cook faced over $1.3 million in legal and security fees after coming under attack from the Trump administration, according to ethics disclosures. The White House targeted her last summer as Trump pushed the Fed to cut interest rates.
- Ocean Monitoring System: The administration reversed its decision to dismantle a $368 million deep-sea observation system after outcry from lawmakers and ocean experts.
- Reflecting Pool Algae Battle: Federal workers continue battling algae in Washington's reflecting pool, a fight the Trump administration compared to the war with Iran. Trump ordered a $14.2 million refurbishment to turn the monument to “American Flag blue” for the country's 250th birthday celebrations.
- Supreme Court Gun Rights: The Supreme Court sided with a Texas marijuana user who wants to legally own a gun, expanding gun rights.
- Washington DC Mayor: Democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George is set to become the next mayor of Washington DC after her opponent conceded. She ran on expanding childcare, education, and housing, and revoking cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- California Wealth Tax: A proposal to impose a wealth tax on billionaires has gained enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
- US Military Review: Pete Hegseth announced a review of the US military presence across Europe, threatening to cut force numbers in countries spending the least on defense.
