Vance Says Iran Fighting Isn't a War, Dodges Endgame Timeline
VP Vance says US-Iran fighting isn't a war and offers no end timeline, as hostilities persist and oil prices rise.
US Vice President JD Vance has pushed back against describing the ongoing hostilities with Iran as a "war," while declining to offer a timeline for their conclusion. His remarks on Thursday underscore the political challenge facing the Trump administration as the conflict enters its seventh month, with midterm elections approaching.
Speaking at a White House briefing, Vance stated that the United States has ended major combat operations with Iran, even as he acknowledged renewed exchanges of fire this week. "I wouldn't call it a war," he said, adding that while there is no active shooting, "there's been places where this has flared up."
The comments come after a period of relative calm was broken by back-and-forth attacks between Washington and Tehran. On Tuesday, the US launched airstrikes on Iranian coastal military targets in retaliation for Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation has pushed global oil prices to levels not seen since July.
Vance touted US efforts to facilitate oil shipping through the strategic waterway, crediting Washington's actions with averting a broader global energy crisis. He maintained that the focus now is on ensuring Tehran cannot continue disrupting commercial oil traffic.
When pressed repeatedly on when the conflict might end, Vance said it would require a halt to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping. "When will the Iranians stop shooting at ships? I think the reality is I don't know the answer to that question," he admitted. He also ruled out negotiations as long as such attacks continue.
The prolonged hostilities have weighed on President Donald Trump's approval ratings and driven up gas prices, raising the stakes for Republican candidates defending narrow congressional majorities in November. The US maintains more than 50,000 troops in the Middle East, with nearly 20 warships focused on a blockade, some deployments having been extended beyond expectations and drawing forces from Europe and the Indo-Pacific.