Vance blames Iran war after midterms wipe out, questions its worth

US Vice President JD Vance has distanced himself from the war on Iran, questioning its worth and blaming it entirely for a stinging electoral rebuke by voters that delivered control of Congress to Democrats.

Vance's extraordinary remarks in a post on X could further complicate Trump's deliberations as he weighs whether to restart strikes against Iran.

They also raise questions about the political fortunes of senior Pentagon officials, most notably Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

"The reason we lost is the war," Vance said on X.

"If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next 6 years was worth it, then do so."

Vance also said an earlier recommendation to end the war was "sound advice."

No regrets

Democrats secured control of both the Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday, scoring sweeping victories in Republican strongholds for the first time in generations.

Voters in conservative ​bastions who had propelled the president to his second term in office just two years ago swung dramatically toward Democrats, fuelled by deep frustration over the war with Iran and anxiety over the high cost of living.

Vance said the president had also acknowledged that the Iran war cost Republicans the midterm elections on Tuesday.

But President Trump stated that the Iran war was only one of multiple reasons.

"I ​did the right thing," Trump told the Wall Street Journal. "I would have done it again."

Vance, a staunch defender of the administration's immigration policies, also appeared to be seeking some distance from the immigration crackdown that drew backlash.

"I'm open to the idea that we should change enforcement — by focusing more on businesses that hire illegal labour, for instance," he wrote.

TRT World & Agencies — TRT World & Agencies

Photo: Reuters Archive