Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence participates in a television interview on Nov. 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Former Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday praised President Donald Trump’s approach toward Iran and Israel, describing it as a necessary response to what he called Iran’s role as a leading state sponsor of terrorism.

His remarks at The Economic Club of New York on Operation Epic Fury marked another conciliatory signal after his relationship with Trump fractured in early 2021.

“I must tell you personally, I couldn’t be more proud of the decision by President Donald Trump, to unleash the armed forces of the United States of America last year and this year against the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran. The president’s willingness to take the fight directly to Iran,” Pence said.

“And let me also, say, as the father of a United States Marine and the father-in-law of a lieutenant commander in the Navy, every American should be proud of the extraordinary work of our military in Operation Epic Fury.”

Pence further expressed support for the administration’s backing of Israel, saying he is grateful Trump has defended the alliance despite criticism from some voices on the populist right.

“And finally, at a time when we have voices on the populist right that are questioning our historic alliances, including our alliance with Israel, I am proud and grateful that the Trump administration and our president has stood without apology for the Jewish state of Israel,” he said.

Posted by Bonny Chu