WASHINGTON, D.C. — White House officials denied that Vice President JD Vance had been distant from Operation Epic Fury. The denials came after claims that Vance had intentionally distanced himself from public appearances and negotiations related to U.S. military engagement in Iran and the Middle East.

In response to the claims, a White House official said, "This fake narrative is absolutely laughable to every single person who is in the know in Washington," and added, "It’s a classic mainstream media creation." Officials also said Vance has remained actively involved in national security discussions despite claims that he has kept a low public profile during the Iran strikes.

A senior White House official described a series of outreach efforts after the operation began, saying, "The vice president and other administration officials conducted multiple media interviews and will continue to do so," and adding, "The national security team also held multiple briefing calls with members of the press and key stakeholders after the operation began."

Vance appeared on Fox News’ "Jesse Watters Primetime" on March 2, making him the first Trump administration official outside of President Donald Trump’s pre-recorded announcement to speak on live TV about the strikes. The interview on "Jesse Watters Primetime" was one of nine reported public appearances Vance has made since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury.

A spokesperson for Vice President Vance’s office said, "The vice president hasn’t been keeping a low profile," and said Vance attended two dignified transfers at Dover Air Force Base. Dignified transfers at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware took place after American soldiers were killed during the beginning days of the U.S. military operation against Iran. The spokesperson added that Vance held a press gaggle and delivered two speeches in which he discussed the heroic sacrifice of America’s service members.

In a separate statement, Vance said, "You can’t let the craziest and worst regime in the world have nuclear weapons," and added, "That’s what the president is accomplishing. That’s what the president has set as our goal. He’s going to try to accomplish it diplomatically."