During a heated moment during the debate, JD Vance Keep Tim Walz On the backfoot when discussing nuclear weapons. When Walz accused Trump of moving Iran “closer to a nuclear weapon”, Vance countered, saying that Iran is closer today than ever to developing a nuclear weapon.
In the first debate between vice presidential candidates, Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz, the two compared how former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris would approach foreign policy, especially in the Middle East. Iran fired more than 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday, escalating a years-long conflict between Israel, Iran and its Arab allies that could push the region closer to a broader war.
When Walz was asked about supporting Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran, Walz highlighted the importance of stable leadership in dealing with Middle Eastern affairs. He criticized Trump’s foreign policy, citing concerns raised by former Trump staffers regarding his fitness for office. Walz praised Harris for her steady leadership and calmness in maintaining international coalitions.
In contrast, Vance defended Trump’s foreign policy, claiming that he “provided stability in the world” through effective deterrence. He criticized the Iran policies of the Biden-Harris administration, saying that real estate provided to Iran was used to finance weapons that threaten the US and its allies. On the issue of preemptive strikes, Vance said, “It’s up to Israel… We must support our allies, wherever they are.”
The candidates also debated about this iran nuclear dealWalz accused Trump of withdrawing from the deal without offering an alternative solution and bringing Iran “closer to a nuclear weapon.” Vance responded that despite the current administration’s policies, Iran is closer than ever to developing a nuclear weapon. Walz emphasized coalition-building and diplomatic stability, while Vance underlined the need to project strength and deterrence on the global stage.
In the first debate between vice presidential candidates, Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz, the two compared how former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris would approach foreign policy, especially in the Middle East. Iran fired more than 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday, escalating a years-long conflict between Israel, Iran and its Arab allies that could push the region closer to wider war.
When Walz was asked about supporting Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran, Walz highlighted the importance of stable leadership in dealing with Middle Eastern affairs. He criticized Trump’s foreign policy, citing concerns raised by former Trump staffers regarding his fitness for office. Walz praised Harris for her steady leadership and calmness in maintaining international coalitions.
In contrast, Vance defended Trump’s foreign policy, claiming that he “provided stability in the world” through effective deterrence. He criticized the Iran policies of the Biden-Harris administration, saying that real estate provided to Iran was used to finance weapons that threaten the US and its allies. On the issue of preemptive strikes, Vance said, “It’s up to Israel… We must support our allies, wherever they are.”
The debate started with the running question middle east conflictSpecifically whether either candidate would support an Israeli attack on Iran to stop its nuclear ambitions. Both candidates were hesitant to tackle the issue head-on. Walz dodged the question by criticizing Trump’s leadership, suggesting that Trump’s age and recent debate performance showed he was unfit for the role. Walz emphasized that “steady leadership” was important during such times. While Vance mocked Walz’s reluctance to respond, ultimately saying that the Trump administration would support Israel’s decisions regarding Iran, he defended Trump’s foreign policy as one of “unprecedented peace and stability.”
Both candidates were also forced to address past misrepresentations. Walz faced criticism for claiming to have been in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square uprising, later admitting that he had “misspoke” and had not been there that summer. He called himself a “knucklehead” in admitting the mistake. On the other hand, Vance was reminded of his previous criticism of Trump, comparing him to Adolf Hitler. He acknowledged that he was wrong about Trump, noting that the former president delivered on key issues.
Throughout the debate, both candidates focused their attacks more on their opponents’ running mates than on each other. Walz criticized Trump for failing to complete the promised US–Mexico border wall, saying that “less than 2% of that wall got built.” Vance argued that Walz was more solution-oriented than Harris, suggesting that Harris had no intention of solving border issues.
On domestic topics, climate change took center stage. Vance linked climate change to jobs while advocating increased domestic production. On the other hand, Walz praised the Biden administration’s renewable energy investments and emphasized the US’s potential to become an “energy superpower.”
