Vice President JD Vance stated that the U.S. conflict with Iran will enter a much different phase in a couple of months. In an exclusive interview with The New York Post aboard Air Force Two, Vance aligned with President Donald Trump's assessment that the war would conclude right after the November midterms.

Vance described the conflict in two phases. He said the first phase is complete, focused on destroying Iran's nuclear program, its conventional military capabilities, and its ability to project power regionally. The second phase involves preventing Iran from rebuilding those assets while maintaining global stability.

The vice president noted that commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has recovered to well over 50 percent of normal levels. He indicated that the Iranian regime would continue to lose control over the critical waterway in the lead-up to the elections.

"We can’t predict the future, but I think the president is right to say that this thing will enter a much different phase in a couple of months," Vance said. He added that the commander in chief determines when conflicts begin and end.

The remarks come amid ongoing tit-for-tat strikes between U.S. and Iranian forces. Earlier statements from Vance emphasized that major combat operations had concluded, with the focus shifting to deterring Iranian threats to shipping. The administration has highlighted significant damage to Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure from prior U.S. and allied actions.

Vance's comments underscore the administration's strategy of pressuring Tehran without committing to artificial timelines. Traffic recovery in the Strait of Hormuz reflects progress in securing key global energy routes. The president retains full authority over the timeline for any de-escalation or resolution.

The conflict began earlier this year with joint U.S.-Israeli operations targeting Iranian capabilities. It has featured exchanges around the Strait of Hormuz and other areas, with the U.S. prioritizing the protection of commercial shipping lanes.