US Vice President JD Vance has said the ongoing confrontation between the United States and Iran should not be described as a “war”, while declining to provide a timeline for when the hostilities will finally end.
Speaking at a White House briefing on September 3, Vance said there was currently no active shooting, although he acknowledged that fighting had flared up in recent days. His comments came as Washington and Tehran exchanged attacks following several weeks of relative calm.
Vance Says Major Combat Operations Have Ended
Vance argued that the major US combat operation lasted roughly six weeks following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. While acknowledging subsequent flare-ups, he maintained that the current situation does not amount to an ongoing war.
When asked when the conflict might end, Vance declined to give a specific date. He indicated that the duration of the confrontation depends largely on Iran’s actions, particularly its attacks on commercial shipping.
No Immediate Diplomatic Talks
The comments come amid a lack of active diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Vance said the United States was not currently engaged in talks with Iran and linked the possibility of discussions to the situation involving commercial shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern because it is one of the world’s most important routes for oil shipments. Disruptions to shipping have contributed to elevated energy prices and increased concerns about the broader economic impact of the conflict.
Political Pressure Builds in Washington
The prolonged confrontation is also creating political challenges for President Donald Trump’s administration. The conflict has contributed to higher fuel prices and become an increasingly important issue ahead of the November US midterm elections.
Vance was pressed on whether the confrontation could be resolved before Americans vote in November, but he declined to put a deadline on its conclusion. Instead, he argued that the United States should not impose an “artificial timeline” on the situation.
Conflict Remains Uncertain
Despite Vance’s description of the situation as something other than a war, recent exchanges between US and Iranian forces indicate that tensions remain high. The latest flare-up has raised fresh questions about how and when the confrontation can be brought to an end.
For now, Washington has not announced a clear exit strategy or timetable, while Tehran continues to remain a key factor in determining whether hostilities subside or escalate further.