WASHINGTON, DC — Vice President JD Vance criticized Israeli critics of the preliminary U.S.-Iran peace accord during a speech at the White House. Vance stated that Israeli bombings of civilian infrastructure in Beirut were undermining U.S.-led peace efforts.

A preliminary peace accord between the U.S. and Iran was signed on June 17, 2026. Vance had previously traveled to Switzerland for talks with Iranian officials. On April 23, 2026, Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the Lebanon Ambassador to the U.S. and the Israel Ambassador to the U.S. at the White House.

Rubio defended Israel's military campaign in Lebanon during a trip through the Gulf, describing Israel's actions as a justified response to Hezbollah attacks. Rubio visited the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain. He met with UAE Ambassador to the U.S. Yousef Al Otaiba at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi on June 23, 2026.

Rubio stated he would not ask Gulf allies to fund Iran's reconstruction during his trip, describing the possibility as "far down the road." Vance had stated that Gulf states could fund Iran's reconstruction. Rubio also stated that any deal must be ironclad regarding U.S. interests and those of its allies. "While we want a deal, we don't want a deal at any price," Rubio said.

Vance had revealed that the U.S. invited an Iranian intelligence official to serve as a deconfliction liaison with the Pentagon in Qatar. A State Department spokesperson stated there was no divergence between Rubio and Vance on Lebanon. The spokesperson added that the administration's goal was to restore Lebanese government sovereignty over its entire territory.

Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, stated that Rubio and Vance held clearly different views. "At their core they represent different strains," Rubin said. Before taking office, Vance frequently criticized foreign wars as a waste of lives and money. Rubio pushed for a more confrontational stance toward Iran, Russia, and Cuba while serving in the Senate. Vance and Rubio have supported all of President Trump's major foreign policy decisions, including the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and an attack on Iran in February. A poll indicated that 52% of Republicans believe the current conflict has put the U.S. in a stronger position.