Key facts
- President Donald Trump described the conflict with Iran as "small potatoes."
- Vice President JD Vance stated the fighting is not a "war" and there is "no active shooting."
- Iran fired at U.S. ally Kuwait amid ongoing retaliation.
- The White House reclassified casualties from the conflict.
- Brent crude prices remain elevated above $95 per barrel.
- Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is below prewar levels.
President Donald Trump described the conflict with Iran as "small potatoes" and agreed with Vice President JD Vance that it is not a "war." Vance, speaking at a White House press briefing, stated that he would not call the ongoing fighting a "war" and that there is currently "no active shooting."
Vance's remarks came as Iran fired at U.S. Gulf ally Kuwait, continuing its retaliation for U.S. strikes earlier in the week. Vance defended the U.S. strikes, citing Iran's continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The vice president declined to predict when the conflict might end, suggesting that the timeline depends on Iran's actions. He noted that setting artificial timelines would be inappropriate.
The administration has faced scrutiny for reclassifying casualties from the conflict, moving them into a new category called "Overseas Operations" after initially tallying them in war totals. This reclassification occurred after a brief ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran collapsed.
Despite the conflict, the administration asserts that a near prewar level of oil is transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. Navy escorting millions of barrels daily. However, independent shipping data indicates that traffic through the strait remains below prewar levels.
Trump has sought to manage volatile markets by signaling progress in negotiations or averting military action. He has emphasized the impact of U.S. and Israeli campaigns on Iran's military capabilities, with Iranian officials reporting significant damages. The administration's approach combines economic pressure with threats of escalated force.