Vance Says Iran War Will Enter New Phase Soon; Iran Calls for Diplomatic Efforts

Washington: The war between the United States and Iran will enter a new phase in the coming months, US Vice President JD Vance has said. However, Vance did not specify what the next phase would involve or when the US military intervention would end.

Vance said the first phase of the conflict focused on destroying Iran's nuclear programme and weakening its conventional military capabilities. According to him, that phase has been completed. The second phase, he said, has focused on preventing Iran from rebuilding its military capabilities, which he also claimed had been achieved.

Vance also said Iran continued to attack commercial vessels in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, but claimed that the attacks had generally been unsuccessful. He linked the expected change in the conflict to the US midterm elections in November, echoing President Donald Trump's statement that the war could end immediately after the elections.

Meanwhile, Iran has said it continues to prioritise diplomacy despite what it describes as repeated US provocations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran does not want a prolonged confrontation with Washington and remains open to diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute. Recent discussions between Araghchi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also focused on reviving negotiations and easing regional tensions.

The US-Israel offensive against Iran began in late February. The conflict subsequently disrupted commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's key energy routes. Washington has since undertaken efforts to restore shipping through the waterway, while Iran has continued to challenge US military and maritime operations in the region.

Amid the continuing conflict, diplomatic efforts are also underway through multiple channels to reduce tensions and seek a political resolution.