Vance Defends US-Iran Interim Peace Deal Amid Bipartisan Criticism

U.S. Vice President JD Vance on June 18, 2026, defended President Trump's interim peace agreement with Iran, asserting the U.S. provided "not a dime" to Iran. Vance emphasized that any economic benefits, including access to frozen assets and a potential $300 billion reconstruction plan, are contingent on Iran's full compliance with the 14-point memorandum of understanding. The agreement, which includes partial sanction relief, has drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Vance argued that lifting sanctions is not a major concession, as previous restrictions on Iranian oil exports were largely ineffective. He stated that removing sanctions would instead provide the U.S. with greater transparency into Iran's financial flows. The deal temporarily suspends military actions and reopens the Strait of Hormuz for at least 60 days, a period that began on June 18, 2026, for final agreement negotiations.