The vice president’s remarks about Iran were made in an exclusive interview to coincide with the publication of his new book, Communion: Finding My Back to Faith.
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WASHINGTON – Vice President J.D. Vance said he trusts President Donald Trump to prevent the Iran war from becoming a “quagmire” that the United States will be embroiled in for years without a mission, purpose or clear purpose.
“I don’t think we’ll be talking about U.S. involvement in Iran in a year, but I’m very confident that it’s never going to be talked about in many years,” Vance told USA TODAY in an exclusive phone interview Monday.
Vance, an Iraq War veteran and one of the administration’s most vocal skeptics of American military involvement overseas, said the U.S. operation in Iran would be different from the protracted wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, even as negotiations to end the conflict continue with no end in sight.
“I don’t think the president would do something like that,” Vance said.
This week marks the 100th day of the armed conflict, which began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched a joint bombing campaign in Iran. From April, The war is at a ceasefire, and U.S. officials, including Vance, have sought limited outcomes to move forward with a comprehensive peace deal.
President Trump has repeatedly teased that a deal is near, but negotiations have stalled after both countries launched attacks, including the U.S. military’s announcement on June 5 that it shot down Iranian missiles and drones. Israel and Iran have also exchanged attacks in recent days, further threatening the fraying ceasefire.
Gasoline prices in the United States have risen sharply due to the war, and President Trump’s approval ratings have declined, raising concerns among Republican politicians.
Various “means” if diplomacy fails
Vance did not rule out the possibility of escalating military fighting before the war ends if months of negotiations fail to reach an agreement.
“I think we’ll be successful,” Vance told USA TODAY. “If this diplomacy ultimately breaks down, the president has additional tools at his disposal. But as long as we keep this firmly rooted in our core mission: preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, things won’t turn into a quagmire.”
The vice president’s remarks were made during a telephone interview in conjunction with the publication of his new book, “Communion: Finding My Back to Faith.” The book, scheduled for release on June 16, is a sequel to Vance’s best-selling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy.
In “Communion,” Vance reflects on his religious journey while commenting on policy and politics..”
