The US vice president, , has outlined Washington’s strategy for continuing the war against Iran, confirming that the military campaign will last “a little while longer”. In an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Vance emphasized that the goal is to deliver a powerful blow to the Iranian government before the United States withdraws.
Short term war strategy with a long term footprint
Vance argued that the US has already achieved the majority of its military objectives, but continued operations for a limited period of time are deemed necessary. He said the president’s decision was aimed at ensuring that no further military involvement would be needed in the near future.
According to him, the aim is “to neutralize the Iranian government for a very long time”, so that the withdrawal of American forces is accompanied by stability and prevention of a recurrence of the conflict.
Energy pressures and price reassurance
Referring to the economic impact of the war, the US vice president acknowledged the rise in fuel prices, directly attributing it to the conflict. At the same time, he appeared reassuring, considering that this is a temporary development.
He said the increase in gasoline prices was “a very temporary reaction” to a conflict that he believed would prove short-lived. He reiterated that the US has no intention of staying in Iran for a long time, insisting that “we will leave soon and the prices will go back up”.
Central crisis manager
Despite his current stance, Vance had expressed reservations about the conflict from the start, calling war with Iran a “bad idea” in internal discussions with President Trump. His assessments of the resilience of the Iranian regime appear to have been confirmed, strengthening his role within the government.
Now, according to information from , the vice president is taking a more active role in the search for a diplomatic solution, at a time when the American president appears politically and financially pressured by the duration and cost of the conflict.
Negotiations and internal balances in the White House
Vance’s upgrade was also reflected in the latest Cabinet meeting, where Trump asked him for an update on Iran, acknowledging his enhanced role. At the same time, the vice president is working with special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have already been involved in previous – unsuccessful – negotiation efforts.
US administration officials believe that Vance’s stance on long-term military engagements makes him a more reliable interlocutor for Tehran. “If there can’t be a deal with Vance, then there won’t be a deal,” a senior official said, underscoring the burden the vice president is now carrying.
