WASHINGTON: US Vice-President JD Vance said on Wednesday that the Iran war had doomed Republicans in the midterm elections, seeking to distance himself from the unpopular conflict ahead of a possible 2028 White House run.

"The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night," Vance said in a lengthy post on X — apparently referring to President Donald Trump's remarks that the Iran war was "part of it" but that it was still justified.

"If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next six years was worth it, then do so. Argue it was a worthwhile cost to pay. Agree or disagree, that's at least honest," Vance added.

"But everyone knows why we lost. And any honest conversation about where we go from here must start there."