Bangladesh, June 23 -- In a move that has reignited controversy over US military actions in the Middle East, Vice President JD Vance has defended the Trump administrations latest airstrike on Iran, portraying it as a limited and “surgical” operation meant to degrade Tehrans nuclear capabilities. Amid mounting concerns of another protracted conflict, Vance drew a sharp distinction between President Donald Trumps leadership and the decisions of previous US administrations that led to decades-long wars in the region.

Speaking on NBCs Meet the Press on June 22, Vance said the United States “is not at war with Iran” but rather targeting its nuclear program. “Were at war with Irans nuclear ambitions,” he cla...