Vice President J.D. Vance addressed the intersection of faith and foreign policy during a press conference in Hungary on Tuesday, offering a measured perspective on whether the United States’ military actions against Iran carry divine approval.
His comments come as the Trump administration navigates a high-stakes conflict that has already sent shockwaves through the global economy.
The Vice President was asked directly by a Washington Post reporter if he agreed with recent rhetoric suggesting that U.S. strikes against Iran are part of “God’s will.” This follows several statements from President Donald Trump, who recently told reporters he believes God is “on our side” because “God is good” and wants people to be protected.
Vance took a slightly different rhetorical path, emphasizing prayer over certainty. “I think my attitude towards military conflict has always been to pray that we are on God’s side,” Vance said.
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While he expressed hope that the divine aligns with U.S. objectives, he framed the mission as a moral necessity to prevent a regime linked to terrorism from acquiring a nuclear weapon. “I certainly hope that God agrees with the decision that Iran shouldn’t have a nuclear weapon, but I’ll keep praying about it,” he added, promising to update the press if he receives a “good answer.”
The theological debate coincides with an intensifying military campaign. On Tuesday, U.S. forces launched strikes on more than 50 military targets on Kharg Island. These operations occurred just hours before an 8 p.m. deadline set by President Trump for Iran to reach a deal to end the war.
The conflict has hit American wallets hard. Since hostilities began on February 28, gas prices in the U.S. have surged by 35%. This spike is largely attributed to Iranian forces maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical bottleneck for global oil exports.
President Trump has remained pessimistic about a diplomatic breakthrough, warning on Tuesday that “a whole civilization will die” if Iran refuses to negotiate and reopen the Strait.
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When asked about the prospect of a deal, Vance noted that the administration’s negotiation team—including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—is focused on the “contours of a potential deal,” but he warned of “serious consequences” if Iran remains committed to regional destabilization.
“If the Iranians don’t come to the table… then the economic situation in Iran is going to continue to be very, very bad and frankly will probably get worse,” Vance said. He noted that while the U.S. possesses the military advantage, the current focus is on what a post-war landscape might look like for Iran and its neighbors.
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