Vance defends Iran deal amid GOP, Israeli criticism

June 19, 2026

2–3 minutes

Summary

Vance said Iran would get no U.S. funds unless it fully complied with Trump’s interim deal, as criticism mounted in Washington and Israel.

Why this matters

The deal could affect U.S. policy toward Iran, regional security, oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and Congress’ role in sanctions policy. The response from U.S. allies and lawmakers may shape whether the agreement holds and leads to broader talks.

Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that the United States was not giving Iran money under President Donald Trump’s interim peace deal, and that any economic benefits depended on Iran fully complying with the agreement.

“The United States isn’t giving up a cent of money to Iran,” Vance said at a White House news conference.

His comments came as the White House faced criticism from some Republicans and Israeli officials over a 14-point memorandum of understanding that included sanctions relief, access to frozen funds, and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction plan.

Vance said, “The only way the Iranians get any of these resources … is if they comply fully” with the deal. He also said Iran was already selling oil despite U.S. sanctions, which he described as ineffective by the time of the agreement, and argued that easing sanctions could give the U.S. more insight into Iran’s financial activity.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, also described the deal as conditional. In a statement Thursday, he said he approved the memorandum after receiving assurances that Iran’s rights and the “resistance front” would be protected, and after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted responsibility for safeguarding Iran’s interests.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that “we encourage everyone in the Middle East Region to maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations to beautifully unfold.” He added that markets were responding positively and said, “We expect a complete Ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel.”

Vance said Iran’s “nuclear program has been completely destroyed” and described the agreement as the next stage of Trump’s pressure campaign. The deal, signed by Trump and Pezeshkian, paused military operations and reopened the Strait of Hormuz for at least 60 days to allow negotiations on a final agreement. Vance said that period began Thursday and could be extended.

Lawmakers in both parties criticized the agreement. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., called it “one of the worst follies” of Trump’s term. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said, “History demonstrates that giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is an exceptionally bad idea.” Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said the memorandum could undercut recent U.S. military gains.

Vance said members of Congress received, or would soon receive, a copy of the signed document, and that the administration planned a formal briefing “very soon.” He also said the administration believed it could temporarily lift some sanctions without congressional approval.

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Jesse Bussey, who had been on the run since 1996, was arrested Nov. 10, 2025, in Malaga, Spain. Authorities said he had been living under an alias and teaching English.

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He was convicted in absentia of rape, desertion, and two counts of indecent assault. He also was reduced in rank to E-1 and dishonorably discharged.

The Army Criminal Investigation Division had previously offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

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“The United States isn’t giving up a cent of money to Iran,” Vance said at a White House news conference.

His comments came as the White House faced criticism from some Republicans and Israeli officials over a 14-point memorandum of understanding that included sanctions relief, access to frozen funds, and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction plan.

Vance said, “The only way the Iranians get any of these resources … is if they comply fully” with the deal. He also said Iran was already selling oil despite U.S. sanctions, which he described as ineffective by the time of the agreement, and argued that easing sanctions could give the U.S. more insight into Iran’s financial activity.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, also described the deal as conditional. In a statement Thursday, he said he approved the memorandum after receiving assurances that Iran’s rights and the “resistance front” would be protected, and after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted responsibility for safeguarding Iran’s interests.

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