Iran war is not a war, US VP Vance says

Washington: US Vice President JD Vance refrained from labeling the ongoing conflict with Iran as a war, despite ongoing clashes six months into the conflict. Vance's remarks came as President Donald Trump attempts to put an end to the conflict that has brought his administration to a standstill. According to Vance, there is currently no active shooting taking place.

He acknowledged that there have been instances of flare-ups but emphasized that major combat operations only lasted for six weeks after the US-Israel war began on February 28. When asked when the conflict would end, Vance responded that he did not know the answer, as it would have to be determined by the Iranians themselves. After a period of calm, fresh clashes emerged with US raids on Sunday, further complicating the situation.

Vance reiterated that the United States would not resume talks with Iran until it ceases attacks on commercial shipping. However, with fuel prices threatening to cost Trump's Republicans their control of Congress, his administration has begun emphasizing that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are now returning to pre-war levels.

Vance stated that Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz is effectively gone, noting that oil and gas exports from the strait were virtually nonexistent three months ago and are now close to pre-conflict levels. Trump's approval ratings are near record lows, as he finds himself in a quagmire with the Islamic republic. The conflict has resulted in the death of eighteen US troops and thousands of people in Iran and Lebanon.