Key facts
- US Vice President JD Vance said the first phase of the war on Iran is complete.
- Vance stated the conflict will enter a new phase in the coming months.
- The first phase aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear program and conventional military.
US Vice President JD Vance stated that the conflict with Iran has completed its initial phase of destroying Iran's military and nuclear capabilities. He indicated that the war is set to enter a new phase in the coming months, potentially concluding after the US midterm elections. Vance also claimed that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has recovered to over 50% of pre-war levels, a figure that contrasts with independent shipping data.

The comments from Vice President Vance signal a potential shift in US strategy regarding Iran, with implications for regional stability and global energy markets. Any significant recovery in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for oil transport, could ease supply concerns and impact crude oil prices and freight costs.
US Vice President JD Vance announced that the initial phase of the conflict with Iran, focused on dismantling its nuclear program and conventional military capabilities, has concluded. Speaking to the New York Post, Vance indicated that the war is poised to transition into a new phase within the next few months, with the objective of preventing Tehran from reconstituting its military strength and thereby maintaining global stability.
Vance described the current US operations as responsive rather than aggressive, noting that Iran has been intermittently targeting commercial shipping. He also asserted that traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz has recovered to more than half of its pre-war levels. However, this claim contrasts with independent shipping data and US Central Command estimates, which suggest a significantly lower volume of transits.
US President Donald Trump has previously indicated that the conflict could conclude shortly after the upcoming midterm elections, suggesting that Iran may be amenable to a resolution. The US has been engaged in efforts to degrade Iran's missile and drone capabilities, while also targeting Iranian oil tankers and imposing financial sanctions. Navy SEALs have also been involved in de-mining operations in the Strait of Hormuz.