Vance claims Israel is swaying US public opinion against Iran deal

US Vice President JD Vance says some people in Israel's government are trying to use American public opinion to keep the war with Iran going.

Mr Vance made these comments during a podcast that aired on Wednesday. He accused certain Israeli officials of trying to disrupt talks with Iran by influencing how Americans think. This is a strong criticism of one of the US's closest allies.

He spoke during an interview with US podcaster Joe Rogan, known for his conservative views.

"There’s a literal foreign influence campaign being funded to tank the very deal that I was pursuing.

"You have seen this very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign to try to derail the negotiation and try to derail the deal," he told Rogan.

Mr Vance was deeply involved in talks that led to an agreement reached in mid-June. This agreement allowed for more discussions, reopened the Strait of Hormuz, and included a now-canceled 60-day ceasefire.

He defended the agreement, which worried Israeli leaders. He said that accepting a 60-day negotiation period would eventually help reach a final deal. He also urged Israeli leaders not to attack "the only powerful ally" they have left in the world.

Unfortunately, the deal did not bring the expected results because of ongoing tensions over the Strait. The US has attacked Iran consistently over the last week. US airstrikes on Thursday targeted civilian areas, killing two people and injuring four in Southern Iran. The attacks hit power facilities and a train station.

Despite this, Mr Vance stated, "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."

He added that he "doesn’t mind" when some Israeli officials criticize the US stance. He said foreign governments often try to sway US policy.

"What bothers me is actually when Americans allow, meaning American leadership allows, that influence to affect their judgement and to affect what they are advocating for," he explained.

Mr Vance also mentioned that he has faced personal attacks from an Israeli-linked influence campaign due to his diplomatic efforts with Iran.

"People are attacking me viciously," he said.

He said he was attacked for trying to achieve the negotiation goal set by the president.