WASHINGTON — US Vice President JD Vance has alleged that certain elements within the Israeli government supported a well-funded influence campaign aimed at undermining Washington's diplomatic negotiations with Iran. Vance made the remarks during an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast released on Wednesday.
Vance claimed the campaign sought to shape American public opinion against a recently negotiated US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU). Citing a Time magazine report and filings under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), he said former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale and his firm, Clock Tower X, were hired through an advertising agency working on behalf of the Israeli government.
According to Vance, the campaign was officially presented as an effort to combat online antisemitism but was instead used to influence opinion against the negotiations. He also alleged that some individuals involved in the campaign personally targeted him because of his role in the administration's diplomatic efforts with Iran.
Speaking on the podcast, Vance described the effort as a "very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign" intended to derail the negotiations. He said his responsibility was to act in the interests of the American people, despite criticism directed at him during the talks.
Brad Parscale rejected the allegations, stating that claims he worked against the administration or the US-Iran negotiations were false. He maintained that the campaign's purpose was to strengthen support for Israel among younger Americans and not to interfere with US diplomacy.
Israeli officials had not issued an immediate public response to Vance's comments. Earlier this week, Vance also said that criticism from some hardline Israeli cabinet members was based on what he described as misinformation.
The remarks come as US-Iran negotiations continue alongside renewed military tensions. Although President Donald Trump recently ordered the resumption of coordinated airstrikes against Iran, Vance said diplomatic efforts remain active. He reiterated that the administration's priorities are preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and ensuring the continued free flow of global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Source : timesofindia
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