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U.S. operations against Iran are not a “war,” Vance says
The vice president insists major combat has ended and warns Tehran over attacks on commercial ships
Vice President JD Vance is drawing a clear line around the nature of U.S. operations against Iran. Speaking at the White House, he rejected the idea that the confrontation amounts to a “war,” arguing that the current phase no longer involves active firefights. “I wouldn’t define it as a war. Right now, there are no ongoing firefights,” he said, responding to questions about whether the conflict could end before the Midterm elections.
Vance acknowledged that tensions have “flared up” at moments but maintained that the main combat operations are over. “When you ask me when it will end, you’re really asking: when will the Iranians stop firing at ships? I don’t know the answer. You’d have to ask the Iranians.”
He emphasized that Washington is keeping “all options on the table,” from economic pressure to military tools, diplomatic leverage and covert activity. But one point, he said, is non‑negotiable: “There will be no dialogue with Tehran as long as Iran keeps attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.” According to Vance, Iran’s grip on the strait has “effectively collapsed,” and Tehran is “losing capability day by day.”
Energy flows, he noted, have nearly returned to pre‑conflict levels. “My advice to the Iranians is to stop acting crazy and stop firing at commercial ships.”
Vance also pushed back against Iranian claims that a U.S. strike hit a wedding celebration, causing civilian casualties. “The United States never targets civilians. We are investigating thoroughly,” he said, adding that any mistakes are examined to improve operations.
He argued that U.S. efforts have prevented a global energy crisis. The mission, he said, has two priorities: stopping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and protecting commercial navigation. Yesterday alone, 15 million barrels of oil passed through Hormuz. “No large‑scale combat operations are underway,” he added.
Despite the absence of direct diplomatic channels, Vance said the United States will continue using every available tool to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear‑armed power. He noted that China has been “far more responsible” than Tehran in responding to attacks on commercial shipping, and that Gulf states, Turkey and Azerbaijan are quietly helping ensure that “the Iranians pay a price” for targeting commercial vessels — a pressure campaign that, according to Vance, will remain central as U.S. operations against Iran move forward.
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