US Vice President JD Vance says Israeli officials are trying to sway American public opinion to keep the Iran war going

In a July 16 podcast with host Joe Rogan, U.S. Vice President JD Vance alleged that “certain elements” within the Israeli government are running a well‑funded campaign to manipulate American public opinion so the conflict with Iran can continue indefinitely. He said he knows “beyond a shadow of a doubt” that these officials are attempting to shift U.S. policy away from the cease‑fire agreement reached last month, which he defended despite criticism that it does not curb Iran’s missile program or provide a clear path to dismantle its nuclear facilities. Vance noted that Israel’s influence campaign includes payments to online influencers and cited a reported $45 million lobbying contract awarded to former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale. He added that similar influence efforts are commonplace, stating it “doesn’t bother me that Israel tries to do this, it frankly doesn’t even bother me that Russia or some of these other countries do it.” While criticizing the Israeli push, Vance emphasized that the United States will continue to use diplomatic and, when necessary, military tools to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He warned that such foreign influence operations become a problem only when they affect American political judgment.