On Joe Rogan’s podcast, Vice President JD Vance defended a diplomacy-first path with Iran under the administration’s Memorandum of Understanding while portraying Israel as a factor in pushback against hawkish pressure. He pushed back against critics accusing him of being influenced by Qatar or Tucker Carlson, framing his stance as aligned with President Trump’s agenda. Rogan pressed him on why Iran talks sometimes seem productive but collapse into renewed conflict, and Vance described the situation as messy with limited control over outcomes. He characterized Iran as divided between religious hardliners and pragmatists, noting the MOU’s impact on oil flows and the leverage dynamics that followed. The interview also touched on perceived Israeli influence and domestic criticism from hawkish circles regarding U.S. support for Israel. Throughout, Vance framed his approach as a pragmatic, moderate path in a tense regional landscape under President Trump’s leadership.