JD Vance offers no timeline for end of Iran conflict as tensions persist

Washington, USA, September 4, 2026 — US Vice President JD Vance has declined to provide a timeline for the end of the ongoing conflict with Iran, arguing that its conclusion depends on Tehran stopping attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a White House briefing on Thursday, Vance also rejected describing the current hostilities as a “war,” despite renewed exchanges of fire between the United States and Iran in recent days.

“I wouldn't call it a war,” Vance said, arguing that major combat operations had ended months earlier. He maintained that there was currently no active shooting, even though recent US strikes and Iranian retaliation have renewed tensions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

When asked when the conflict would end, Vance said he could not provide an answer, suggesting that the timeline depended on Iran's actions.

“The reality is I don't know the answer to that question. You would have to ask the Iranians,” he said.

Vance said there were currently no negotiations between Washington and Tehran. He stated that the United States would not resume talks unless Iran stopped targeting commercial vessels.

The latest escalation followed a period of relative calm in August. The United States recently carried out strikes against Iranian military positions near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting capabilities that officials said could threaten shipping through the waterway.

Iran subsequently responded by targeting US interests and military positions in the region, highlighting the continued uncertainty surrounding the conflict. The US military has indicated that it may continue offensive operations near the strategic waterway amid concerns that Iran could rebuild its military capabilities.

Vance also declined to predict when gasoline prices in the United States might return to around $3 per gallon, saying he would not make a promise about future fuel prices.

The conflict and disruption to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to concerns about energy prices and inflation, creating additional political pressure ahead of the November midterm elections.