WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President JD Vance on Thursday rejected the term "war" to describe the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran, stating during a White House press briefing that there is currently "no active shooting." He was asked if the conflict, which has lasted six months, would conclude before the November 3 congressional elections. Vance noted, "I wouldn’t call it a war," and emphasized that he did not want to set "artificial timelines."
This statement comes as Iran fired at U.S. ally Kuwait in retaliation for recent U.S. strikes on Iran. Vance asserted that the U.S. had a responsibility to conduct these strikes due to Iran's targeting of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict has posed challenges for President Trump and his administration as they attempt to maintain Republican control in Congress amid rising gas prices and inflation. Vance acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the conflict's duration, stating, "You would have to ask the Iranians" when it might end.
In July, the administration faced scrutiny for reclassifying fallen soldiers and wounded troops in its Defense Casualty Analysis System, which is used to track casualties from the conflict. The Pentagon has indicated that those affected after a ceasefire were categorized under "Overseas Operations."
Brent crude prices were reported above $95 per barrel on Thursday, a significant increase from around $72 per barrel before the conflict began. Despite claims from Trump and his aides that the U.S. Navy is in control of the Strait of Hormuz, independent tracking firms indicate that ship traffic remains below prewar levels.
Vance mentioned that the U.S. escorted approximately 15 million barrels of oil on Wednesday, while Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported that 17 million barrels were transported through the strait with U.S. assistance on Monday. However, shipping data shows that transits through the strait were only 102 last week, compared to over 130 per day prior to the conflict.
Trump has attempted to stabilize volatile markets during the conflict, often reporting progress in negotiations or delaying military action to calm market reactions. Analysts have suggested that the administration's claims of increased oil flows may be aimed at preventing significant price spikes.
As the conflict continues, Trump has adopted a strategy that combines economic pressure with potential military escalation. He has claimed that the U.S. and Israel's military campaign has severely impacted Iran's naval and air capabilities, with Iranian officials estimating damages at $270 billion. Despite this, Iran has maintained its influence through strikes in the Gulf region.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Strait of Hormuz may lose its significance in the coming years due to planned land pipelines that bypass the area. Trump also referenced efforts by Syria to create alternative routes for Gulf exporters to international markets.