Vance accuses Israel of 'manipulating' US public opinion to prolong Iran war

US Vice President JD Vance has accused some members of the Israeli government of attempting to influence American public opinion to prolong the war with Iran and derail negotiations. In an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Vance stated that there is a "very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign" by some Israeli government elements to undermine a deal with Iran and continue military action indefinitely.

Vance referenced a Time magazine article detailing an Israeli influence operation targeting the MAGA base, suggesting that individuals paid by Israeli government elements are attacking his policy positions. He asserted that he knows "beyond a shadow of a doubt" that certain Israeli government officials are actively working to alter US policy to prolong the military campaign.

During the interview, Vance also discussed alleged connections between financier Jeffrey Epstein and high levels of US and Israeli intelligence, including former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Vance described himself as an "OG Epstein conspiracy theorist" but suggested Epstein may have been connected to "elements of the Israeli deep state that were left of centre."

The comments come as the US and Iran continue to exchange strikes following the breakdown of a memorandum of understanding. The House of Representatives recently rejected a measure to cut billions of dollars in US aid to Israel, though some Democrats voted in favor of ending the funding.