Vice President JD Vance defended the Trump administration’s newly announced agreement with Iran during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Five,” where he challenged criticism of the deal and argued that opponents were overlooking key conditions attached to any potential benefits for Tehran, as reported [1] by The Gateway Pundit.
Vance joined the program Tuesday evening as a guest co-host while promoting his new book, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith.”
During the discussion, he sparred with fellow co-host Jessica Tarlov over reports concerning the administration’s agreement with Iran.
Tarlov referenced reporting from The Wall Street Journal and Axios and suggested that concerns had been raised about the agreement by CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The exchange quickly turned into a broader debate over what Iran would receive under the framework of the agreement and what conditions would have to be met before any economic benefits could be realized.
Vance argued that critics were focusing on potential gains for Iran while ignoring the concessions and changes the country would be required to make.
“Jessica, you’re making the same mistake, unfortunately, that a lot of the Iranian propagandists make when they talk about this,” Vance said.
He continued by arguing that opponents of the agreement were discussing possible benefits without acknowledging the requirements imposed on Iran.
“They talk about the benefits to the Iranians without any of the things the Iranians would have to give up and have to change in order to get those benefits,” Vance said.
The vice president also addressed claims involving a reported $300 billion investment fund tied to the agreement.
“So you mentioned $300 billion fund, let’s be clear about this — not a single cent of American money under any circumstance, no matter what the Iranians do, goes to Iran, not a single cent of American money!” Vance said.
Tarlov responded by noting, “But they got other money.”
Vance then explained how the administration views foreign investment provisions that could become available if Iran meets the terms outlined in the agreement.
“Here’s what this says. This says, for example, let’s say that the United Arab Emirates, who have been a great ally, let’s say they want to invest in a power plant in Iran, what this deal provides is that if the Iranians have done everything we require them to do, then we will allow the United Arab Emirates to do that,” Vance said.
According to Vance, current restrictions prevent such investments from moving forward without U.S. approval.
