Vance Says Iran Conflict Isn’t a ‘War,’ Risking Midterm Backlash

On 3 September 2026, US Vice President Vance said he would not call the conflict with Iran a 'war' and declined to say when it will end or whether it will be over by the November elections. Bloomberg wrote that this risks a midterm backlash. Vance said the US will not negotiate until Tehran stops 'shooting at ships', that Hormuz oil flow is near pre-war levels, and that China is willing to help isolate Iran.

Vance said the US is investigating an airstrike that Iran says hit a wedding party, saying 'sometimes things happen' and calling himself 'extremely sceptical' of the claim. Reuters wrote that an analysis shows it was likely a direct hit by a US munition. Iran sent a letter to the UN calling it a war crime, and the IRGC chief vowed revenge and called for a trial of US leaders. Iran said any response to a future US attack will be 'asymmetric', and warned the US against an Israeli offensive on a ridge in south Lebanon. Newsmax wrote that Trump is weighing declaring the war over.