Vice President JD Vance on Thursday stated he would not characterize the ongoing military campaign against Iran as a war, despite six months of sustained U.S. and Israeli strikes and escalating exchanges of fire in recent days.
Vance made the remarks during a White House press briefing, responding to a question from CNN’s Kaitlan Collins about whether the conflict might conclude by the November midterm elections. He asserted that major combat operations lasted approximately six weeks and primarily targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, while claiming no active shooting is currently occurring. However, Vance acknowledged periodic flare-ups, including the most recent week of heightened hostilities.
Casualties and Costs
The conflict, initiated in late February as Operation Epic Fury, has resulted in 18 U.S. military personnel killed and more than 750 wounded, according to U.S. military reports. Independent defense research estimates the financial cost to range between $71 billion and $118 billion. Civilian casualties in the Middle East, predominantly Iranian, are estimated between 1,700 and 3,700 deaths, per MilitarySpend data.
Military Operations and Damage Assessments
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reports that the first 38 days of major combat operations involved more than 10,200 sorties and 13,500 strikes, damaging or destroying 85% of Iran’s ballistic missile, drone, and naval defense industrial base and 82% of its air-defense missile systems. The campaign included the deployment of carrier strike groups and warships to the region.
Political Reactions
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) criticized Vance’s characterization, calling it an ‘insult to the men and women fighting’ in a statement to the Washington Examiner. Massie, who has historically opposed military engagements, argued that the administration’s rhetoric contrasts with President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of progress in the conflict.
Ongoing Hostilities
Despite Vance’s remarks, recent days have seen increased exchanges of fire between U.S.-led forces and Iranian-backed groups. The administration has not provided a timeline for the conflict’s resolution, with Vance deferring to Iranian actions as the determining factor.
Background and Context
The campaign began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury, targeting senior Iranian leadership. Among those killed in the initial strikes were Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, and the defense minister. The operation marked the most intense sustained air campaign by American forces since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The administration has framed the campaign as a precautionary measure to degrade Iran’s military capabilities, while critics argue the prolonged engagement risks broader regional destabilization. No formal declaration of war has been issued by the U.S. Congress.