Vance repudiates Iran war after US electoral defeat

On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance distanced himself from President Donald Trump's war on Iran, questioning its value and blaming it for Democrats' electoral victory that led to control of Congress. The remarks could complicate Trump's deliberations about restarting major combat operations against Iran, a step officials say is still being considered.

Vance's comments also raise questions about the political fortunes of Pentagon officials, particularly Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is unpopular in Congress and could face impeachment calls. Vance stated on X, "The reason we lost is the war." He also endorsed an earlier recommendation to end the war as "sound advice." Democrats gained control of both the Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday, winning in Republican strongholds for the first time in generations.

The shift was driven by voter frustration over the Iran war, high living costs, and anger at Trump's leadership. While Vance emphasized the president's acknowledgment of the war's impact on the midterm elections, Trump maintained that the decision was the right one, saying, "I would have done it again."