Vice President JD Vance, who privately expressed skepticism about launching a full-scale military operation before the start of the war with Iran in February, speaks during a midterm elections campaign rally in Hendersonville, N.C., Oct. 19, 2026. (Alex Kent/The New York Times) (Kenny Holston/The New York Times) By DAVID E. SANGER and ERIC SCHMITT The public split last week between Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over whether the conflict with Iran is a worthwhile…
