Vance’s comments came as Washington and Tehran exchanged attacks this week following a period of relative calm, with no diplomatic negotiations currently underway to bring the conflict to an end.
The prolonged conflict has contributed to a decline in President Donald Trump’s approval ratings and pushed up fuel prices, increasing political pressure on Republican candidates seeking to retain their narrow congressional majorities in November’s midterm elections.
Speaking at a White House briefing, Vance highlighted US efforts to facilitate commercial oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has disrupted maritime traffic since the conflict began. He said US actions had helped prevent a wider global energy crisis.
Vance rejected the characterisation of the confrontation as a “war”, saying the United States had ended major combat operations against Iran despite renewed fighting this week.
“I wouldn’t call it a war,” Vance said. “Right now there’s no active shooting. I recognise there’s been places where this has flared up.”
The United States has more than 50,000 troops 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 efforts focused on the blockade, with some US forces remaining in the region longer than initially expected.
Some troops and military assets have also been moved from Europe and the Indo-Pacific to reinforce the US presence in the Middle East.
Asked repeatedly when the conflict would end, Vance said an end to the hostilities would depend on Iran stopping attacks on commercial shipping.
“When will the Iranians stop shooting at ships? I think the reality is I don’t know the answer to that question,” he said.
Vance also ruled out negotiations with Tehran while Iran continued targeting commercial vessels.
Although the most intense fighting has eased, recurring exchanges of fire and uncertainty over a definitive end to the conflict have kept global oil prices elevated.
On Tuesday, the United States launched airstrikes against what it described as military targets along Iran’s coast, in retaliation for Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed escalation pushed oil prices to their highest levels since July, adding to concerns over energy supplies and the broader economic impact of the conflict.
