Vance and Trump downplay Iran conflict as 'not a war'

In early September 2026, U.S. Vice President Vance said publicly that the ongoing conflict with Iran is not a 'war,' echoing President Trump's characterization of the situation as 'small potatoes.' Speaking on Tucker Carlson's show, Vance declined to offer a timeline for when the conflict might end, saying that it is up to Iran. The comments come as the administration tries to navigate an unpopular conflict ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.