On September 15 (local time), according to TASS, US Vice President J.D. Vance said that the conflict between the US and Iran will enter a "completely different phase" in the next few months. The statement was made in an interview with the New York Post on Air Force 2 special plane.
We cannot predict the future, but I think President Donald Trump is right to say that this issue will enter a very different phase in the next few months," Vance said.
According to the US Vice President, Washington has completed the first phase of the conflict. He described the goal of this phase as destroying Iran's nuclear program, conventional military forces and Tehran's ability to deploy power.
Mr. Vance said that the US currently does not conduct offensive military operations. Meanwhile, Iran still occasionally attacks commercial ships in the Hormuz Strait area, although according to him, these attacks "usually fail".
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, which plays an important role in international energy transportation. According to sources, the traffic volume of commercial ships through this maritime route remains low compared to before the conflict broke out, although maritime safety measures have been implemented.
Mr. Vance's statement was made in the context of the US continuing to determine the next course of the conflict. He said that the next stage will involve preventing Iran from restoring its depleted capabilities, while maintaining stability in the region and internationally.
Previously, President Donald Trump said that the conflict could end after the midterm elections of the US Congress in November, while leaving open the possibility of reaching an agreement before this time.
Mr. Vance emphasized that President Trump has the authority to decide when and how to end the conflict.
