Asked whether the conflict would be over by the time of the US midterm elections, Vance said he would not describe the situation as a war.
US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday refused to describe the fighting between the United States and Iran as a “war” and said he could not say when the conflict would end, as hostilities entered their seventh month with the US midterm elections approaching.
Washington and Tehran traded attacks this week following a period of relative calm. Diplomatic discussions aimed at ending the conflict are not currently taking place between the two countries.
The prolonged fighting has affected President Donald Trump’s approval ratings and pushed gas prices higher, increasing pressure on Republican candidates seeking to retain their party’s narrow majorities in Congress in November.
During a White House briefing, Vance highlighted US efforts to facilitate oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has disrupted maritime traffic in the waterway since the conflict began. Vance credited US action with helping prevent a wider global energy crisis.
‘No Active Shooting’
Asked whether the conflict would be over by the time of the US midterm elections, Vance said he would not describe the situation as a war. He said the administration’s immediate priority was preventing Tehran from continuing to interfere with commercial oil shipments.
“I wouldn’t call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting. There have been places where this has flared up,” Vance said.
More than 50,000 US troops remain stationed across the Middle East, while the Trump administration has increased its military presence in the region. Nearly 20 warships have been deployed as part of a blockade-focused effort. Some troops have remained in the region longer than anticipated after being moved from Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Pressed several times on when the conflict would end, Vance linked its conclusion to Iran stopping attacks on commercial vessels.
“When will the Iranians stop shooting at ships? I think the reality is I don’t know the answer to that question,” he said.
He also ruled out negotiations while Tehran continues to target commercial shipping.
