JD Vance slams reporter for ‘trying to drive a wedge’ between him and Trump over Iran

JD Vance emphasized that both he and Donald Trump share the same long-standing position that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons
PUBLISHED MAR 17, 2026
Vice President JD Vance pushed back strongly against a reporter’s question suggesting tension between him and President Donald Trump over the administration’s military action in Iran (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Vice President JD Vance pushed back strongly against a reporter’s question suggesting tension between him and President Donald Trump over the administration’s military action in Iran (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)


WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance slammed a reporter for attempting to create a division between him and President Donald Trump over US military action in Iran. Vance reaffirmed their shared position that Iran must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons.

He also pushed back when asked whether he opposes the president’s approach to war with Iran. This follows Vance’s denial that he revealed any advice he gave Trump on the Iran conflict, noting that the details are classified.

JD Vance says, 'Iran should not have a nuclear weapon'

President Donald Trump listens as Vice President JD Vance speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, March 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump listens as Vice President JD Vance speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, March 16, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

JD Vance defended the administration’s recent military actions in Iran while responding sharply to reporters’ attempts to frame a rift between him and Trump.

“I certainly know what we're going to do, and look, we have to do it,” Vance said. “As the president said, this is a problem that is festered in this country for far too long, and far too few people have actually wanted to do anything about it. That's what makes this Administration different is that we actually tackle the problems the American people have been confronting.”

Vance acknowledged the reporter’s line of questioning, accusing them of trying to sow division. “I think I know what you're trying to do. You’re trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president." 

Vance added, "What the president has said consistently, going back to 2015, and I agree with him, is that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon. We have taken this military action under the president’s leadership. I think all of us, whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, should pray for the success of the mission and pray for the safety of our troops. That's the approach that I've taken. Make it as successful as possible.”

Donald Trump and JD Vance praise each other at White House briefing

President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order regarding a task force on fraud in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, March 16, 2026, in Washington, as Vice President JD Vance listens. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order regarding a task force on fraud in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, March 16, 2026, in Washington, as Vice President JD Vance listens (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A reporter pressed JD Vance on whether his past statements conflicted with the current military operation in Iran. “So there's no hesitation, given your past statements, with the current operation? Given your skepticism of foreign adventurism, you were a critic of the global war on terror previously,” the reporter asked.

Vance defended the administration and praised Trump’s leadership. “I think one big difference is that we have a smart president. Whereas in the past, we’ve had dumb presidents, I trust President Trump to get the job done and to do a good job for the American people. People want to make sure that the mistakes of the past aren’t repeated, absolutely,” he said.

Trump later endorsed Vance’s explanation, highlighting their shared caution on military conflict.

“So, JD has been great, but here's the simple thing, and I have, you know, some people I don't want wars. I want wars less than almost anybody,” the president added, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on careful, decisive action.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

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