Shortly before President Trump revealed a breakthrough agreement between Iran and the U.S. regarding their ongoing conflict, former Vice President Mike Pence expressed skepticism about the potential for such a deal.
Speaking with Chris Stirewalt on “The Hill Sunday” via NewsNation, Pence remarked, “My current concern isn’t about the president’s intentions. The president has certainly earned significant respect from the American populace. However, my trust does not extend to the Iranian side.”
Pence further elaborated, “The president and his team understand that a suboptimal agreement is worse than no agreement at all. Unless Iran agrees to dismantle its nuclear and missile programs, ensures free passage through the straits, and ceases its support for regional terrorist factions, it might be in our best interest to allow the U.S. military to conclude the matter.”
As the conflict has persisted, the surge in oil and gas prices has strained U.S. relations with certain international partners. Surveys and polls reflect growing discontent among Americans regarding the ongoing hostilities.
In a social media announcement on platform X, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction, stating, “I am pleased to announce that a Peace Deal between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED.”
“Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” he added.
Trump said in his own Sunday evening Truth Social post that “the Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete.”
“Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade,” he added.
Earlier Sunday, Trump advised Israel and Iran to “not blow” the finalization of the emerging peace deal during strikes in Lebanon.
“We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Updated on June 15 at 6:01 a.m. EDT