Vance Tells Bibi: End of War Is Our Call, Not Yours
March 29—Sources close to the White House confirm that President Donald Trump used his Vice President, JD Vance, to deliver a stern and absolute message to the Butcher of Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, that it is the President’s call as to when the war in Iran will end, not yours.
The message was delivered in a phone conversation between the two over the weekend, which several sources say degenerated into a shouting match when Vance refused to back down to Bibi’s bullying efforts. These same sources confirm that it will be Vance, working with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who will head the American delegation to peace talks expected to get underway this week in Istanbul.
Vance reportedly stopped just short of calling Netanyahu a liar, telling him that all his assessments about how the war would unfold have proven wrong, including his claims that the attacks would trigger “people in the streets” and regime change. Bibi is said to have responded that regime change remains a possibility and that Israel is shaping events by killing Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “You are also killing the people who want to make peace,” Vance responded, according to sources, who added that the White House did not approve of the killing of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani, who was reportedly working through back channels to end the war.
White House Anger at Israeli Defiance
The White House was also furious with Netanyahu for defying Trump and unleashing attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, including a strike on a major natural gas field that provoked Iranian retaliation on energy facilities across the Gulf. The Israeli bombardments have continued despite Trump’s urging for a pause to allow negotiations to begin.
People familiar with the peace process say that appointing Vance—who was never enthusiastic about the war and consistently supported diplomatic efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear program—to lead the U.S. peace delegation, along with leaks of his sharp confrontation with Bibi, demonstrates that Washington intends to find a pathway, or “exit ramp,” from the war before U.S. ground troops become involved. At least one veteran regional diplomat said Iran demanded such moves as a precondition for serious talks.
“While the White House still frames this as Trump’s call,” said one source, “it’s really Iran that holds the upper hand. U.S. intelligence agencies don’t believe military action can topple Tehran’s regime, and the Pentagon is opposed to risky troop deployments that could cause mass casualties. Iran holds the key to the exit because America must also answer to regional allies who were assured they would be shielded from Iranian retaliation. They are not innocent spectators.”
Iran’s Counterproposal and the Elements of a Deal
“A deal can only be had if there are major concessions to Iran,” the source explained. “A far cry from Trump’s silly demand for Tehran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ a few weeks ago. Vance’s call shows that Iran’s resistance, and its still massive stockpile of missiles and drones, has already driven a wedge between the White House and Bibi. I’m convinced Trump wants out of this mess and knows Bibi’s real goal—creating a failed state in Iran—is something he wants no part of.”
Iran continues to publicly deny that any serious talks are underway, but the fact that they have reviewed an 18-point U.S. peace plan and responded with a counterproposal suggests otherwise. Several sources note that this plan includes significant new elements, including immediate and total sanctions relief and discussions on reducing America’s military presence in the region.
A Crucial Week Ahead for Trump
“Trump is not wrong when he says there’s the basis for a peace deal,” said the source, “even if much remains to be worked out. Both proposals align on key points: no Iranian nuclear weapons ever; limitations on uranium enrichment and transfer of existing bomb-grade material to a third party; full sanctions relief; a reduction of U.S. forces in the region; and no future attacks on Iran—especially by Israel. The agreement should be regional, with development programs to rebuild and improve lives in Iran.”
“This week will be crucial,” the source continued. “Trump must resist the messianic crusaders in his Administration—like the lunatic [Secretary of War Pete] Hegseth—who urge boots on the ground in Iran under the claim that God will bless such forces. Trump would do better to heed his regional allies than Crusader Pete. Any move toward invasion raises the chance of a ‘nuclear’ escalation—and then, this whole thing goes completely off the rails.”