President Trump warns as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate
As Israeli-Iran’s conflict escalates, President Trump warned Iran not to attack US targets.
WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Mike Pence has said his former boss, President Donald Trump, should not receive advice from Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Israeli-Iran conflict.
Pence’s June 15th remarks on CNN’s “coalition status” came after Trump said he had discussed Iran and Israel on a call with Putin on Saturday.
“Vladimir Putin continues his brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine using drones provided by Iran,” Pence said. “I would say in honour of the administration. We should look anywhere other than Vladimir Putin, seeking advice on how to deal with this situation.”
In a one-hour call with Putin on June 14, Trump said Iran “knows the country very well.” Trump added that Putin “I feel that, like me, this war in Israel and Iran should end, and that his war, which I have explained, should also be over.”
Trump has embraced his friendship with Putin. Putin is a tough departure from former President Joe Biden, who brought together most of the world to condemn Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump has criticized both Putin, who has long been considered the enemy of the United States, and Ukrainian President Voldy Mil Zelensky, for the Russian war in Ukraine.
Pence, a solid Israeli advocate, said the US needs to continue supporting Israel “with the support they need.”
He also praised Trump for the president’s statement early on Sunday, warning that “full strength and potential” of the US military would be used if Iran attacked the United States “in form, form or form.”
Pence ended political ties with Trump on January 6, 2021 following an attack on the U.S. Capitol. As vice president, Pence refused to act on pressure from Trump to reject election votes submitted by the state before certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
In the 2024 election, Pence refused to support Trump’s presidential bid.
Reach Joey Garrison with X @joeygarrison.