WASHINGTON: US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday rejected describing the ongoing conflict with Iran as a war, despite renewed exchanges of fire between Washington and Tehran and an expanded US military presence in the Middle East.
Vance said major US combat operations against Iran had ended, although fighting has resumed in several areas after a period of relative calm. He also declined to provide a timeline for when the hostilities would end.
Speaking at a White House briefing, Vance said the immediate US priority was to prevent Iran from disrupting commercial oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
“I wouldn’t call it a war,” Vance said, acknowledging that fighting had recently “flared up” in some areas.
US Maintains Large Military Presence in Middle East
The United States has more than 50,000 troops stationed across the Middle East, while the Trump administration has deployed additional military assets to the region, including nearly 20 warships involved in efforts focused on the Strait of Hormuz.
Vance said Washington would continue efforts to keep commercial oil shipments moving through the strategic waterway, where Iranian attacks and disruptions have affected maritime traffic.
Asked when the conflict would end, Vance said he did not know when Iran would stop targeting 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 said.
Vance also ruled out negotiations with Tehran while Iranian attacks on commercial vessels continue.
Renewed Strikes Keep Oil Prices Elevated
The latest escalation follows US air strikes on Iran on Tuesday. Washington said the strikes targeted military positions along Iran’s coast and were carried out in response to attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed violence has added to uncertainty in global energy markets, with oil prices rising sharply following the escalation.
The conflict has now entered its seventh month, with continued fighting, the absence of direct diplomatic talks and the deployment of additional US forces complicating efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire.
The escalation also comes ahead of the November US midterm elections, increasing political pressure on the Trump administration as higher energy prices and the prolonged conflict weigh on domestic politics.