Vance Calls Israeli Reaction to Iran Deal Overblown

US Vice President JD Vance has pushed back against criticism from Israeli officials over the new agreement between the United States and Iran. In an interview with the New York Times, he described Israeli concerns as "panic" and "freakout", suggesting they stem from a lack of trust in the United States.

Israel has long warned that the agreement fails to address key issues, particularly Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles and support for Hezbollah.

Vance maintained that Washington does not plan to lift sanctions as long as Tehran continues to fund organizations designated as terrorist groups. He also told the agreement's harshest critics within the Israeli government that military force alone cannot solve all of the country's security problems.

President Donald Trump also weighed in at the G7 summit, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take a more moderate approach toward Hezbollah.

(Reuters, mja)