Pence says Trump should not take advice from Putin on Iran-Israel

WASHINGTON ― Former Vice President Mike Pence said his ex-boss, President Donald Trump, should not be taking advice from Russian President Vladimir Putin about the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Pence’s June 15 remarks on CNN’s “State of the Union” came after Trump said he discussed Iran and Israel in a phone call with Putin on Saturday, as the two countries have traded attacks following Israel’s widespread June 13 air strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program.

“As Vladimir Putin continues his brutal and unprovoked invasion in Ukraine using drones provided by Iran,” Pence said. “I would say respectfully to the administration, we ought to be looking elsewhere than Vladimir Putin for advice on how to deal with this situation.”

Trump presidency: Trump says Putin called to wish him a happy birthday ‒ and talk about Iran

Detailing his one-hour June 14 call with Putin, Trump said Iran is a “country (Putin) knows very well.” Trump added that Putin “feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end.”

Trump has embraced a friendly relationship with Putin, a stark departure from former President Joe Biden, who helped rally much of the world to condemn Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump has blamed both Putin, long considered a U.S. adversary, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

‘Full strength and might’: Trump warns Iran against attacking the United States

Pence, a staunch defender of Israel, said the United States needs to continue supporting Israel “with the support they need.”

He also applauded Trump for the president’s statement earlier on Sunday, warning that the “full strength and might” of the U.S. military would be used if Iran attacks the United States “in any way, shape or form.”

Pence ended his political relationship with Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. As vice president, Pence refused to act on pressure from Trump to reject electoral votes submitted by states before certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.

In the 2024 election, Pence declined to endorse Trump’s presidential bid.

Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.