DID Press: US Vice President JD Vance defended Washington’s diplomatic engagement with Iran on Friday, arguing that many critics of the negotiations are the same voices that previously advocated expanding military campaigns in countries such as Afghanistan.
Speaking to U.S. Navy personnel at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, Vance said those now opposing the Trump administration’s talks with Tehran had also supported prolonged military intervention and intensified bombing campaigns during past conflicts.
He criticized U.S. political leadership over decisions made during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying American troops had fulfilled their missions while political leaders had made significant strategic mistakes.
Vance voiced support for the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Doha but stopped short of ruling out military action, saying future U.S. policy would depend on Iran’s actions.
He added that President Donald Trump has no intention of sending American forces into another conflict without a clear objective and necessity.
Vance also argued that past failures in Iraq and Afghanistan stemmed from political decision-making rather than military performance, calling for a different approach to U.S. foreign policy in the future.
His remarks come as debate continues in Washington over the legacy of America’s wars and the direction of future U.S. foreign policy.