US VP Vance: Iran conflict 'not a war'

In early September 2026, US Vice President JD Vance said the ongoing military conflict between the United States and Iran should not be called a war. He made the comment while discussing US operations in the region, which Washington says are aimed at protecting allies in the Middle East and the West. Vance also said the US would not negotiate with Tehran as long as Iran continues to attack ships, apparently referring to incidents near the Strait of Hormuz.