VP Vance Declines to Label Iran Conflict a 'War,' Cites China's Potential Economic Support

Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that he does not consider the U.S. engagement with Iran to be a "war" because there is currently no active shooting or major combat operations.

Vance, speaking at a White House press briefing, acknowledged that there have been instances where the situation has escalated, but noted that large-scale combat operations lasted approximately six weeks. He expressed uncertainty regarding the conflict's duration, even as President Trump aims to negotiate its conclusion.

"I wouldn't call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting," Vance stated. He added, "I recognize there have been places where this has flared up. Major combat operations… lasted for about six weeks."

Regarding potential strategies, Vance commented on the unpredictability of timelines, stating, "Let's say I told you three months. Say I told you three days." He elaborated on the complexities of managing the situation, particularly concerning maritime security, saying, "Okay, and then the Iranians start blowing up oil and gas ships, and the United States is the only country with the capability to ensure that those oil and gas ships get to market… It would be irresponsible for us to write out our strategy and our timeline for an Iranian nation that simply cannot honor its commitments."

Vance also indicated that China, a significant trading partner for Iran, appears willing to collaborate with the U.S. Treasury Department's initiative, dubbed Operation Economic Outcast. This operation aims to use financial isolation as a tool to pressure Iran into a peace agreement.

"You do have, I think, the Chinese, the PRC, being willing to play ball here," Vance said. He further described China's approach as more responsible than Iran's and certain other nations, though he conceded that Beijing may not be fulfilling all U.S. requests. "I'm not saying they're doing everything that we've asked them to do, but I think that the PRC has been much more responsible, certainly than the Iranians, and much more responsible than a couple of other nations as well."