WASHINGTON, November 12, 2026 — US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States does not need a deal with Iran and directed Vice President JD Vance to devote his “complete and total attention” to alleged crime and corruption in Democratic-run American cities.

In a social media post, Trump argued that addressing what he described as large-scale criminal activity could help balance the federal budget. He alleged that corruption was widespread among Democratic leaders, but did not identify specific officials, cases or evidence in the statement reported by Reuters.

“We don’t need a deal with Iran. Those days have long since passed,” Trump wrote, adding that the United States had “their money” and “their Strait” — an apparent reference to Iran’s financial assets and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. These were the president’s assertions; the post itself did not provide details establishing the claims.

Vance’s Role In The Iran Conflict

The instruction to Vance follows his public comments questioning the cost of the Iran war after Republicans suffered major losses in the November midterm elections. Vance said the conflict had contributed to the party’s defeat and described earlier advice to end the war as “sound advice,” according to Reuters.

Vance had previously played a role in efforts to resolve the conflict through negotiations. His comments highlighted differences in emphasis within the administration over the war’s political and strategic costs, although Trump has continued to defend the US campaign.

Iran Deal And The Strait Of Hormuz

Trump’s declaration that Washington does not need an agreement with Tehran raises questions about the direction of diplomacy. The dispute has involved security concerns, Iran’s nuclear programme and the wider regional consequences of the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for international energy shipments. Continued instability around the waterway can affect shipping, oil markets and countries that depend on energy supplies from the Gulf. Trump’s reference to having control of the strait should be treated as his claim, rather than an independently established description of the current situation.

Domestic Political Implications

By directing Vance towards alleged crime and corruption in Democratic-run cities, Trump is bringing domestic political priorities into the same public statement as the Iran conflict. The president did not specify what investigations or policy actions he expects the vice president to lead, nor did he identify particular city administrations or alleged offences.

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions following the midterm elections and continuing debate over the cost and objectives of the Iran war. They leave open how Vance’s new assignment will be implemented and whether diplomatic engagement with Tehran will continue alongside the administration’s public position.

For now, Trump’s statement signals that he is publicly placing less emphasis on securing an Iran agreement and wants Vance to focus on domestic law-enforcement and corruption allegations. The practical consequences for US policy, the vice president’s diplomatic role and relations with Iran remain to be seen.

Sources

Reuters: Trump says Vance should focus on domestic corruption; “we don’t need a deal with Iran”

Reuters via Investing.com: Vance repudiates Iran war after US electoral defeat

Axios: Vance says the Iran war cost Republicans the midterms