Staff Reporter

US Vice President JD Vance believes the war with Iran, rising living costs and Washington's relationship with Israel played a role in the Republican Party's defeat in the US midterm elections. He claimed that many voters who supported Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election backed Democratic Party candidates this time.

In a lengthy post on social media platform X on Wednesday (November 4), Vance presented his analysis of the election results. He said many people who voted for the Trump-Vance ticket in 2024 had voted for Democrats this time. He based his remarks on information from several public opinion pollsters.

According to Vance's post, voters who had turned away from the Republican Party were asked what steps would persuade them to support the party again. Four issues emerged as priorities: ending the war with Iran, controlling the cost of living and inflation, following an "America First" policy, and changing the nature of the United States' relationship with Israel.

Vance further said it now appeared that those who had advocated a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Iran had offered sound advice. In his view, the war was one of the key reasons behind the Republicans' electoral defeat. He also noted that President Trump had acknowledged that the conflict had contributed to rising energy prices.

However, Trump has maintained his position in support of the decision to launch the war. Responding to journalists' questions about Vance's comments, he said he had no objection to reviewing the election results.

The report said Vance had opposed such military action before the United States and Israel launched their military operation against Iran on February 28. He had also supported diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict with Iran.

Some differences have also emerged between Trump and Vance over relations with Israel. Trump has consistently expressed support for Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vance, on the other hand, has advocated prioritising US national interests in the country's foreign policy.

Last June, Vance criticised members of Netanyahu's government for opposing Trump's efforts to end the war with Iran. In July, he alleged that some sections of the Israeli government had attempted to influence American public opinion to obstruct the negotiation process.

Last month, Vance also said that US policy in the Middle East could not be subordinate to Israel's policy. Instead, he argued, Washington must prioritise its own interests.

Source: The Times of Israel.