US Vice President JD Vance last week rejected Israeli criticism of the preliminary US-Iran agreement, arguing that Israeli airstrikes on civilian infrastructure in Beirut, aimed at weakening Hezbollah, risk undermining Washington-led diplomatic efforts to secure regional peace.

In contrast, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Israel’s military campaign during his tour of the Gulf, describing the operations in Lebanon as a legitimate response to Hezbollah attacks.

When asked about Vance’s criticism, Rubio declined to address it directly and instead referred to a recent Hezbollah attack on an Israeli military checkpoint.

Political analysts say the differing remarks suggest that, despite the administration’s efforts to present a unified foreign policy, different schools of thought continue to exist within the Trump administration.

Observers also believe the contrast reflects the political positioning of both men, who are widely viewed as potential Republican presidential contenders in 2028.

Both officials were tasked with promoting the preliminary US-Iran peace agreement signed on June 17.

Vance traveled to Switzerland for talks with Iranian officials, where he expressed optimism about the negotiations and reiterated that Gulf states could eventually contribute to Iran’s postwar reconstruction.

Rubio, meanwhile, visited the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain to reassure regional allies that any final agreement with Tehran would fully protect their security interests.

He stressed that discussions about funding Iran’s reconstruction were premature and insisted that the United States would not accept a deal "at any price."

Following reports of policy differences, the White House strongly denied any division within the administration.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the entire administration stands firmly behind President Trump’s strategy and remains united in ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott also dismissed suggestions of internal disagreements as a "tired and false narrative," saying the administration is fully aligned behind President Trump’s foreign policy.

However, some analysts remain unconvinced. Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said Vance and Rubio represent two distinct foreign policy traditions within the Republican Party.

According to Rubin, Vance generally favors a more restrained US role in overseas conflicts, while Rubio has long advocated a tougher approach toward Iran, Russia, and other American adversaries.

Despite their differing rhetoric, both Vance and Rubio have consistently supported President Trump’s major foreign policy decisions and have repeatedly stated that the United States will judge Iran by its actions—not its words—as negotiations move forward.