U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that the Trump administration is working to safeguard commercial oil shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent a global energy crisis, accusing Iran of acting like “terrorists” by targeting merchant vessels.
Speaking at a White House briefing, Vance credited U.S. efforts to facilitate shipping through the strait with helping to avert a broader energy crisis. He stated that Washington’s current focus is ensuring Tehran cannot continue disrupting commercial oil shipping. Vance noted that President Donald Trump has a “toolkit” of options to deal with Iran, which includes military, economic, diplomatic, and covert pressure.
Conflict Status and Military Presence
While hostilities have entered their seventh month, Vance pushed back against describing the conflict as a “war,” stating that the U.S. has ended major combat operations with Iran. He acknowledged that fighting “has flared up” and that Washington and Tehran exchanged attacks this week.
The U.S. currently maintains more than 50,000 troops in the Middle East, including nearly 20 warships focused on a blockade. To support this surge, some troops were pulled from the Indo-Pacific and Europe, with some remaining deployed longer than expected.
Diplomatic Stance and Economic Impact
Vance ruled out negotiations with Tehran as long as Iran continues to target commercial shipping, stating the U.S. will not talk with Iran unless they stop shooting at ships. He declined to provide a specific timeline for the end of the conflict.
The ongoing hostilities have driven up gas prices and kept global oil prices elevated. On Tuesday, the U.S. launched airstrikes on Iranian military targets along the coast in retaliation for attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to surge to levels not seen since July. Officials noted that the conflict and rising gas prices have negatively impacted President Trump’s approval ratings ahead of the November midterm elections.
