Trump and Rubio Shift Blame Amid Growing Controversies
WHO:
Alternet - President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Democratic strategist Meghan Hays, United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner.
Los Angeles Times - President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, Danielle Pletka, Robert Pape, Reid Pauly.
WHAT:
Alternet - Trump stated he would blame Vance if the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran fails.
Alternet - Trump wanted to give Iran a $300 billion "bribe" to back out of a war.
Los Angeles Times - Trump joked, “If it works out, I’m going to take the credit. If it doesn’t work out, I’m blaming JD.”
Los Angeles Times - The MOU with Iran is set to be signed in Switzerland.
Los Angeles Times - The deal allows Iran to receive immediate relief and lift a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports.
WHERE:
Los Angeles Times - The signing ceremony for the MOU will take place in Switzerland.
WHEN:
Los Angeles Times - The MOU is scheduled to be signed this week.
WHY:
Alternet - Hays suggested that Trump is trying to hide that Jared Kushner was the actual negotiator of the Iran deal.
Los Angeles Times - Rubio has expressed skepticism about the deal, citing intelligence reports that suggest Tehran is unlikely to give up its nuclear ambitions.
HOW:
Los Angeles Times - The deal grants Iran immediate relief while only agreeing in principle not to pursue nuclear weapons.
Los Angeles Times - The MOU includes a commitment from Iran to refrain from implementing a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz for a 60-day period.
(UPDATED June 19, 2026 04:29 UTC)
President Trump has announced that he will hold Vice President JD Vance responsible if the memorandum of understanding with Iran fails, joking that he’ll take credit if it succeeds. The MOU, which is set to be signed in Switzerland this week, allows Iran to receive immediate relief and lift a U.S. naval blockade while only agreeing in principle to refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed skepticism about the deal, pointing to intelligence reports that suggest Tehran is unlikely to abandon its nuclear ambitions.