Politics

Trump says U.S. does not need Iran deal, refocuses Vance on crime and corruption

Trump's remarks follow Vance's blame of the Iran war for GOP midterm losses and a reported Vance outreach to Iran.

Published Nov 12, 2026 · 21:56 UTC3 reports

The short version

Trump said Thursday the U.S. does not need a deal with Iran, a shift from his earlier pre-midterm statements that one could be reached.[NBC News · CNBC]
He asked Vice President JD Vance to focus on alleged crime and corruption in Democrat-run cities and states instead of Iran talks.[NBC News · The Guardian · CNBC]
The Wall Street Journal reported that Vance reached out to Mohsen Rezaei before the election to restart talks.[NBC News]
Vance said voter anger over the Iran war drove Republicans' midterm losses, a claim other Republicans have also made.[NBC News · The Guardian · CNBC]

Trump said Thursday the U.S. does not need a deal with Iran, despite earlier statements before the midterms that one could be reached.[NBC News · CNBC]
Trump asked Vance to focus on alleged crime and corruption in Democrat-run cities and states instead of diplomatic talks with Iran.[NBC News · The Guardian · CNBC]
The Wall Street Journal reported that Vance reached out to Mohsen Rezaei, a secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, days before the election to restart talks.[NBC News]
Vance said voter anger over the Iran war was the main reason Republicans suffered losses in the midterm elections.[NBC News · The Guardian · CNBC]

The reported Vance outreach to Rezaei is attributed to a Wall Street Journal report and is not presented as officially confirmed.[NBC News]
Vance's explanation that the Iran war drove the midterm losses is his own characterization, which other Republicans also offered.[NBC News · CNBC]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.