US Vice President JD Vance stated in a podcast interview that late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein 'seemed to be connected' to elements of the 'Israeli deep state' and 'highest levels of American intelligence,' while also accusing Israeli officials of trying to influence US opinion on Iran diplomacy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened with Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers in Manama on June 25, 2026, to discuss a broader Iran agreement including curbs on missiles and proxies, while reaffirming US-Gulf partnerships and addressing regional issues in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have struck notably different tones on U.S. policy toward Iran and Israel, with Vance championing a fragile Iran ceasefire agreement while Rubio emphasizes Israel's right to self-defense. The public split reveals competing foreign policy camps within the Republican administration.
Vice President JD Vance said Monday that Iran has agreed to allow nuclear inspectors back into the country following talks with senior Iranian officials in Switzerland, describing the discussions as creating a 'good foundation' for a final deal to resolve the conflict between the two nations.
The United States has authorized Iranian oil sales through August, easing decades-old sanctions following productive negotiations in Switzerland. The move comes as part of a broader push toward a final peace deal involving nuclear inspections and free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Vice President JD Vance issued a sharp rebuke to Israeli critics of President Trump's controversial agreement with Iran, warning that the United States is Israel's only powerful ally remaining and emphasizing that two-thirds of Israel's defense weapons are funded by U.S. taxpayers. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved the deal while claiming Trump acted out of 'desperation.'
Vice President JD Vance postponed his trip to Geneva for nuclear negotiations with Iran while sharply criticizing Israeli leaders for their reaction to a preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement. The Trump administration deal, which leaves many core issues unresolved, has drawn strong opposition from Israel.
President Donald Trump criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the G7 summit in France, urging him to use a 'softer touch' in Lebanon and be 'more responsible' with military operations against Hezbollah. The rebuke comes as Trump pursues a peace agreement with Iran, with the White House confirming he has signed an initial memorandum of understanding with Tehran.
Republicans in Congress are expressing skepticism and demanding more information about a newly announced agreement between the United States and Iran by President Donald Trump. Congressional leaders and intelligence committees are scrutinizing the deal.
A rare bipartisan consensus is forming in Congress that any final nuclear agreement President Trump strikes with Iran must receive a vote in Congress, with both Republicans and Democrats insisting on legislative oversight.
President Trump informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a pending Iran deal that the Israeli leader opposes, while US and Iranian officials issued conflicting statements about the status of peace negotiations aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries.
President Donald Trump told the Financial Times that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have "no choice" but to accept a US-Iran deal, even as Israel conducted strikes on Iran. Trump urged Netanyahu not to retaliate for Iranian strikes and said Tehran's attacks would not impact ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
The U.S. military carried out strikes against Iranian positions, including missile launch sites, even as President Trump announced that negotiations for an Iran deal are progressing. Trump is demanding that multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords as a condition of any agreement, drawing criticism from pro-Israel hawks and GOP lawmakers concerned about concessions to Iran.
President Donald Trump insists negotiations with Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear concerns are proceeding, calling them Tehran's 'last chance' for a deal, while Iran denies direct talks with the US and says it is only negotiating with Oman over temporary shipping routes.
President Trump indicated willingness to allow Iran to enrich uranium after a 20-year period as part of nuclear negotiations, marking a significant shift from previous US positions that sought permanent restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.
Brent crude jumped more than 6% to $118 per barrel; its highest since June 2022, after Trump told Axios the blockade would remain until Iran agreed to a nuclear deal, with Citi warning prices could reach $150 if the Hormuz disruption continues through June. The World Bank separately warned the war has triggered the largest oil supply shock on record, projecting a 24% surge in energy prices in 2026.
