Vance was ‘skeptical’ voice in White House on Iran strikes

White House officials revealed that the vice president made his opposition known in the leadup.

Vice President JD Vance in the White House Situation Room during Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, 2026. | The White House via AP

Vice President JD Vance was skeptical of the U.S. striking Iran in the leadup to President Donald Trump’s decision to launch the war, two senior Trump officials told POLITICO.

Vance, who has long questioned U.S. intervention abroad, has publicly defended Trump’s Iran operation. But White House officials revealed that the vice president made his opposition known in the leadup, pulling the curtain open after months of speculation about Vance being far more tepid about military action than Trump.

Vance is “skeptical,” is “worried about success” and “just opposes” the war on Iran, a senior Trump official said via text message. The official was granted anonymity to speak about the vice president’s views.

© Politico