US Vice President JD Vance says Iran conflict entering new phase

US-Iran conflict JD Vance Strait of Hormuz military strategy midterm elections

US Vice President JD Vance has stated that the conflict between the United States and Iran is poised to enter a “much different phase” within the next few months. Vance, speaking aboard Air Force Two, indicated that the first phase of the US campaign—aimed at destroying Iran’s nuclear program, conventional military capabilities, and power projection abilities—is now complete.

The second phase of the US strategy will focus on preventing Iran from rebuilding these military and nuclear capabilities while attempting to maintain regional stability. Vance expressed agreement with President Donald Trump’s assessment that the war could conclude shortly after the US midterm elections in November.

Regarding maritime security, Vance noted that commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has recovered to over 50% of normal levels. However, shipping data indicates that traffic remains significantly lower than pre-conflict averages, with only 11 to 130 vessels passing through daily depending on the period measured. Vance clarified that the US is not currently conducting offensive operations, though Iranian forces continue to occasionally target commercial shipping.

Financially, the Congressional Budget Office reported that the conflict has cost the Pentagon more than $38 billion through August 1. A significant portion of these costs, approximately $21.7 billion, was attributed to the replacement of munitions and air defense equipment, including interceptor missiles and cruise missiles. Experts warn that replenishing these critical missile stockpiles could take at least five years.

Entities

Bab al-Mandab · Bab el-Mandeb Strait · Donald Trump · Houthi · Houthi movement · Houthis · Iran · JD Vance · Saudi Arabia · Strait of Hormuz · United States · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The Houthis have communicated to the U.S. that they do not wish to engage in military confrontation. www.almashhad.news · www.darivoa.com
[● 7 SOURCES] The U.S. is maintaining contact with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates regarding the Yemen crisis. sarabic.ae · www.darivoa.com · negarmag.com · www.almashhad.news · www.borsaningundemi.com · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Houthi forces launched an attack against King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait using ballistic missiles and drones. www.darivoa.com · akhbar-rooz.com
[● 8 SOURCES] The United States is conducting direct communications with the Houthi group. sarabic.ae · www.almashhad.news · www.darivoa.com · negarmag.com · www.borsaningundemi.com · +2 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Houthi forces have seized control of strategic locations including Al-Mocha and Mayun Island. sarabic.ae · negarmag.com · www.almashhad.news · www.darivoa.com · www.borsaningundemi.com · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The security situation in Yemen is rapidly evolving and highly dynamic. www.almashhad.news · www.darivoa.com · negarmag.com · www.borsaningundemi.com · www.sondakika.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The war is expected to end shortly after the US midterm elections. thesudantimes.com · www.latestly.com · akhbar-rooz.com · www.cumhuriyet.com.tr · ir.voanews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The US has transitioned to a strategy of economic isolation for Iran. fakti.bg · www.kurir.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] The first phase of the conflict, involving the destruction of Iran's nuclear program and military, is complete. fakti.bg · www.kurir.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has recovered to more than 50% of normal levels. thesudantimes.com · www.latestly.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The war has cost the Pentagon more than $38 billion through August 1. www.latestly.com · www.rokna.net
[● 2 SOURCES] The Iranian Foreign Minister interpreted US statements as an admission of defeat. fakti.bg · www.kurir.rs