US Vice President JD Vance Condemns Israeli Strikes on Lebanon, Says Israel Must Respect Peace Agreement
Islamabad: United States Vice President JD Vance has said that Israel must comply with the ongoing peace arrangement and condemned Israeli strikes in Lebanon, calling attacks on civilian areas unacceptable.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Vance said that the 60-day negotiation period under the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran has officially begun from Thursday.
He said that following the agreement, a transitional framework is now in place, while more complex and long-term issues will be addressed in upcoming negotiations expected to determine final terms of the deal.
JUST IN: Vice President JD Vance announces that the 60-day negotiating period between the U.S. and Iran has officially begun as the landmark Middle East deal starts to take effect.
"I would say the 60 day period officially started today…. The deal started yesterday, we're going… pic.twitter.com/taz8MMPsbQ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 18, 2026
Vance claimed that despite a naval blockade around Iranian ports, the US military allowed at least 12 vessels to pass and reported no attacks on shipping activity by Iran. He also stated that approximately 12.5 million barrels of oil reportedly transited through the Strait of Hormuz in a single night, describing it as a positive sign for global energy stability.
The Vice President emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for uninterrupted global oil and gas flow without restrictions or tariffs.
On Lebanon, he said the United States wants the Lebanese government to assume full security responsibility in the south and enforce state authority in the region. He added that Washington expects all parties to respect commitments under the agreement.
Commenting on Israeli actions, Vance said Israel must also adhere to the peace framework, stating that compliance is in its own interest. He criticized Israeli strikes in Beirut that resulted in civilian casualties, calling them unacceptable.
BREAKING: JD Vance blasts Netanyahu's government:
Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time.
If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally… pic.twitter.com/qq6RePr9Jy
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 18, 2026
Responding to criticism from members of the Israeli cabinet, he said President Donald Trump remains the only leader genuinely acting in Israel’s best interest.
Vance added that Iran is currently complying with the agreement and described the process as beneficial for both countries and global stability. He said that if Iran continues a positive approach, it could receive economic relief, including potential easing of sanctions.
He further stated that the United States expects Iran to avoid developing long-range missile systems capable of mass destruction under any final agreement.
The US administration, he said, will soon brief Congress on the agreement, adding that limited temporary sanctions relief could be considered even without immediate congressional approval.
