US Vice President JD Vance Defends Trump’s Iran Peace Deal, Claims No Financial Aid to Tehran

US Vice President JD Vance defended President Donald Trump’s interim peace deal with Iran on Thursday, stating the United States is not providing financial support to the Islamic Republic and that any economic benefits for Iran depend on full compliance with the agreement, according to a White House statement.

What Is the Peace Deal and Why Is It Controversial?

The 14-point memorandum of understanding, signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, includes sanctions relief, access to frozen funds, and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction plan. Vance argued the deal is not a concession but a strategic move to monitor Iran’s financial activities. “The United States isn’t giving up a cent of money to Iran,” he said during a press briefing in the White House Brady Room. “The only way the Iranians get any of these resources is if they comply fully with the terms of the deal.”

The agreement temporarily halts military operations and reopens the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, creating a window for a final deal. Vance emphasized that the 60-day period, which can be extended, began on Thursday. “Now we see whether they are willing to comply with the next step of the president’s peace plan,” he said.

Republican Backlash Over Sanctions Relief and Funding

The deal has drawn criticism from within Trump’s own party. GOP lawmakers, including former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and Senator Ted Cruz, have warned the agreement risks rewarding Iran after months of conflict. Haley, who served as Trump’s UN ambassador, tweeted that rebuilding Iran’s infrastructure after targeting its nuclear sites was “a huge mistake.” Cruz questioned whether the $300 billion reconstruction plan would effectively fund Iran’s leadership. “Is it giving $300 billion to the Iranian ayatollah?” he asked on his podcast.

Vance pushed back against claims that lifting sanctions constitutes a major concession. He argued that Iran had already been selling oil despite US sanctions, which he called “fundamentally ineffective.” Lifting the sanctions, he added, would give the US greater visibility into Iran’s financial networks. “By lifting the sanctions, we’re actually going to be able to see a little bit where their financial system actually sends money and receives money,” he said.

What’s Next for the Deal and Congressional Approval?

Vance stated the administration is confident it can temporarily lift some sanctions without congressional approval. However, he acknowledged lawmakers would receive a formal copy of the signed document later in the day. A formal briefing for Congress is planned “very soon,” according to the White House.

The agreement’s success hinges on Iran’s compliance.