Vance: No deal with Iran, unknown deadline for end of conflict

Vice President J.D. Vance downplayed the recent tensions with Iran, stressing that it is not a “war,” although he acknowledged that there is no clear date for when the clashes will end.

During a media appearance at the White House, he clarified that “active combat operations” have ceased and there is currently no open fighting.

These comments come as U.S. and Iranian forces have exchanged strikes in recent days, with the U.S. military hitting targets near the Strait of Hormuz. According to Pentagon data, since the clashes began in late February, 18 American service members have been killed and nearly 790 others have been wounded.

Vance avoided giving a timeline for ending hostilities and did not confirm whether the situation will be resolved before the midterm elections on November 3. “When will this end? I have no idea. You should ask the Iranian side,” he said.

He added that there is currently no dialogue with Tehran and that Washington will not return to the negotiating table without first stopping the attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The clashes have also had consequences on the fuel exchange. When asked when the price of gasoline could drop back to $3, Vance gave no concrete guarantees. Meanwhile, the United States is continuing military operations near Hormuz, as serious concerns remain about the safety of oil and gas transportation.

In the end, Vance defended Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, despite the wave of criticism and the resignations of several senior Pentagon officials.