Vance warns Israel: Trump is your 'last strong ally'

U.S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters today that President Donald Trump is the only world leader who supports Israel. He warned Israeli officials who criticize the recent U.S.-Iran agreement to "wake up." Vance spoke at the White House to explain the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding' between the U.S. and Iran. The deal’s first step is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the U.S. naval blockade. The Vice President said the U.S. Navy has already allowed more than a dozen ships to reach Iranian ports. He reported that over 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the strait on Wednesday night. This is the highest amount since the conflict began in late February. Vance insisted the deal does not favor Iran. He said the U.S. destroyed Iran's nuclear program, including its enrichment facilities. However, U.S. intelligence estimates that Iran still has about 70% of its pre-war missile arsenal. When asked about President Trump's earlier goal of destroying all Iranian missiles, Vance said countries have the right to self-defense. But he added that he hopes the final agreement will stop Iran from building missiles that "can threaten the whole world." Vance asked journalists to report that the U.S. "is not giving a single cent to Iran." He said economic benefits, including the lifting of sanctions, will only happen "if the Iranians comply." In a surprise comment, Vance criticized Israeli officials who oppose the Iran deal. "Trump is the only head of state in the world who sympathizes with Israel right now," he said. He blamed members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet, but not Netanyahu himself. Vance added: "Anyone in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the U.S. president must wake up." On next steps, Vance said Congress should receive the signed memorandum today. The White House plans to brief lawmakers soon. Vance said he does not know if he will travel to Switzerland on Friday for talks with Iran. He noted that the signing ceremony in Geneva was canceled because the agreement was already signed remotely. Trump signed the document for a second time on Wednesday night in France, after first signing it digitally on Sunday.