Khaberni - U.S. President Donald Trump released a statement tinged with sarcasm, joking about the issue of deserving praise or bearing blame, should the memorandum of understanding with Iran be deemed a success or a failure.
Trump told reporters, "If the Iranian initiative succeeds, I will take the credit. But if it fails, I will blame Vice President JD Vance," adding jokingly, "You better be careful, JD!"
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood silently beside the president in a scene that highlighted a new political reality, where the vice president, formerly an anti-war advocate, emerged as the most visible official in the Trump administration concerning the negotiation dossier, marking a significant shift from the initial stance.
Analysts believe that this arrangement politically weakens Vance, making him the primary responsible for an unpopular war, posing risks if he plans to run for presidency in 2028.
A former employee of the Trump administration described the deal as "very bad for Vance’s presidential ambitions," noting that some Republicans like Senator Lindsey Graham have started to call it "Vance's deal," while Rubio remained silent, indicating his desire to distance himself from it.
During a press briefing, Vance issued a warning to Israel and Netanyahu's supporters who criticized the agreement, saying, "If I were in the Israeli government, I would not attack the only strong ally I have left in the world." When asked about Trump’s joke, he ignored it, saying, "The president was joking, as he often does."
Strategists believe that Trump was laying the groundwork to blame Vance if the deal fails. Strategist Doug Heye said, "If it succeeds, Trump will take the credit. If it fails, he will blame others. No one is safe."
Strategist Suzanne Del Percio agreed, saying, "If it fails, he will say that Vance caused the breakdown in communication. Trump has had no problem blaming others."
