Conflict & Security
Vance: US-Iran conflict to enter 'completely different' phase within two months
September 16, 2026 at 07:59 AM
US Vice President JD Vance has said the American confrontation with Iran will enter a completely different phase within two months.
- Vance said his timeline matches President Trump's announcement that the war will end directly after the midterm congressional elections.
- Vance said Iran will continue losing control of the Strait of Hormuz until the elections, with traffic through the waterway above 50% of its normal level.
- Vance said the United States is not participating in aggressive operations, acknowledging impatience among the American people.
- Pentagon Inspector General Platt Moring said the war has cost about $33.4 billion as of June 30, causing ammunition shortages and supply-chain bottlenecks.