US administration shows internal split over Iran‑Israel conflict

Senior officials in the Trump administration have issued conflicting statements about the United States' approach to Iran and Israel. Vice President Mike Pence criticized Israeli officials over a draft memorandum of understanding with Tehran and emphasized Trump's exclusive support for Israel, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Israel's military actions in Lebanon as a "justified response" and downplayed any divergence with Washington’s broader goals. The disagreement highlights a public rift within the White House over how to balance negotiations with Iran, continued military aid to Israel, and the handling of regional tensions involving Lebanon.

Parallel coverage notes that President Donald Trump and other senior officials have alternated between promising diplomatic progress with Tehran and warning of renewed military pressure. The mixed messages have raised questions about the coherence of US policy in the Middle East and the ability of the administration to present a unified front on the Iran‑Israel issue.