Vance: Israel manipulating US public to block Iran deal

US Senator JD Vance has accused Israel of secretly working to turn American public opinion against a potential nuclear deal with Iran. Speaking on a podcast, Vance said there are “some people we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely.” The Ohio Republican did not name specific individuals or groups behind the alleged campaign. However, his comments mark a sharp break from the usual bipartisan support for Israel in Washington. Vance’s accusation comes as the Biden administration pushes for a new agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program. Critics argue the deal would not be strong enough to stop Iran from building a bomb. Israel has long opposed any nuclear deal with Tehran, warning that it would allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. The country has also been accused of lobbying US lawmakers and influencing media coverage to block such agreements. Vance’s statement is likely to deepen the political debate over US foreign policy in the Middle East.