Here’s what Pence believes.
Former Vice President Mike Pence believes President Donald Trump’s patience with Iran may be running out, arguing that continued diplomatic efforts are unlikely to succeed and predicting the president could ultimately authorize a far more aggressive military response.
During an appearance on Fox News Monday, Pence said he believes the opportunity for a negotiated settlement has largely passed. While praising Trump’s leadership throughout the conflict, Pence urged the administration to shift its focus from diplomacy to decisive military action aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to threaten the United States and its allies.
The remarks highlight a growing debate among conservatives over the best path forward as tensions in the Middle East remain high.
Pence Says Diplomacy Has Reached Its Limit
Pence argued that Iran’s recent actions and public statements show little interest in reaching a lasting agreement with the United States.
According to the former vice president, the Trump administration should now consider targeting Iran’s remaining military infrastructure to reduce its ability to project force throughout the region.
“The time has come for the president of the United States to unleash the armed forces of the United States,” Pence said during the interview.
He also argued that lasting peace comes only after an adversary has been defeated, suggesting that negotiations alone are unlikely to change Iran’s behavior.
Pence went on to predict that Trump’s patience will eventually wear thin if Tehran continues refusing to cooperate.
“I have every confidence there will come a moment where my old running mate has had enough,” Pence said, expressing confidence that the president would rely on America’s military strength if diplomatic efforts continue to stall.
Trump Continues To Push For A Peace Agreement
Pence’s comments came just one day after President Trump struck a noticeably different tone, saying he still believes a peace agreement with Iran is within reach.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that avoiding additional bloodshed remains his preferred outcome.
“I’m not looking to kill people,” Trump said. “A lot of people die. And we don’t want that.”
The president also revealed that he had considered launching what he described as an overwhelming military strike against Iran but decided to postpone the operation after appeals from leaders in the Middle East who requested additional time for diplomacy.
Iranian officials later rejected Trump’s account, denying that events unfolded as the president described.
Americans Remain Divided Over Iran
During the Fox News interview, anchor Bill Hemmer referenced a recent Fox News poll showing many Americans remain skeptical that negotiations will produce a successful outcome.
According to the survey conducted July 17-20, 48 percent of respondents said they do not believe the United States and Iran will ultimately reach a deal. Another 25 percent said they expect any agreement that is reached to be a poor one.
The polling reflects continued uncertainty among voters as the administration weighs diplomatic negotiations against the possibility of additional military action.
Pence Praises Trump But Urges Stronger Action
Although Pence has voiced concerns about the current diplomatic strategy, he praised Trump for taking a firm stance against Iran and credited the president with confronting threats that previous administrations struggled to contain.
Still, Pence argued that now is the time for the United States and Israel to complete the mission.
He said America should work alongside its closest ally in the region to further reduce Iran’s military capabilities and prevent the regime from rebuilding its ability to threaten neighboring countries or disrupt international shipping routes.
A Growing Debate Inside The GOP
The differing views from Trump and Pence underscore an important debate within the Republican Party over how best to handle Iran.
Trump has repeatedly said his first choice is achieving peace through strength while making clear that military force remains an option if negotiations collapse.
Pence, meanwhile, believes Iran has already demonstrated that diplomacy is unlikely to produce meaningful results and argues that stronger military action may ultimately be necessary.
Whether the administration can secure a diplomatic breakthrough or chooses a tougher course in the weeks ahead will likely shape both America’s strategy in the Middle East and the broader foreign policy debate heading into the months ahead.
For now, Trump continues to pursue negotiations, but Pence’s warning reflects the belief among many national security conservatives that the president may eventually conclude diplomacy has reached its limit and decide it is time for a more forceful response.