Trump Defends Vance Amid Criticism Over Iran War Essay

US President Donald Trump acknowledged that "a lot of people" objected to Vice President JD Vance's essay blaming the Iran war for Republican midterm losses, while insisting their alliance remains intact. Trump defended the conflict and said Vance was "right" except for missing one key statement. Vance, who had initial reservations about the campaign, declined to endorse the war's outcome as worthwhile, writing that losing the Senate for six years was a cost "everyone knows" caused the defeat. Trump's stance evolved from his previous week's remark that he "mostly agreed" with his deputy. Separately, Trump said fresh military strikes against Iran are "highly unlikely" if ongoing negotiations advance, though he did not rule out further action. He cited a "crushing blow" already delivered and conditioned any deal on Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.