Vance says Iran conflict is not a war, declines to offer timeline for end - Reuters

**U.S. national security adviser Jake Vance said on Thursday that the escalating clash between Iran and Israel does not meet the definition of a war, while refusing to set a timeline for its resolution.** The comment came as Washington continued to press Tehran over a series of missile and drone attacks that struck Israeli territory earlier this month, prompting fears of a broader regional conflagration. Vance, speaking to reporters in Washington, stressed that the United States remains “firmly engaged” with allies in the Middle East but warned that the situation is fluid and that any escalation would be met with “appropriate” diplomatic and, if necessary, covert measures.

In the same briefing, Vance declined to offer a specific horizon for when hostilities might subside, noting that the United States cannot predict the actions of either Tehran or Jerusalem. He reiterated the administration’s stance that it will not reopen direct talks with Iran until Tehran halts attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and other maritime routes—a condition echoed by statements from the U.S. State Department and the Pentagon. The adviser also highlighted that economic sanctions, military assistance to Israel, and a coordinated intelligence effort constitute the primary tools of the U.S. response, rather than a formal declaration of war.

Analysts in the region and international observers noted the delicate balance Washington is trying to strike. Al Jazeera reported that the U.S. has “ruled out any talks with Iran until the attacks on commercial vessels cease,” while The Hindu and CNN highlighted Vance’s reluctance to provide a definitive end‑date as a signal that the administration prefers to keep strategic options open. The Times of India pointed out that the U.S. toolkit—ranging from sanctions to covert pressure—remains unchanged from the Trump era, underscoring continuity in American policy toward Tehran despite shifting rhetoric.

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