Is the U.S. fight with Iran a war, as Vice President Vance says it is not?
Vice President JD Vance said he would not call the U.S. fight with Iran a war, citing no active shooting. President Trump defended the description; Sanders, Schumer and Massie criticized it, and Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson called the fighting aggression, not war.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
The fixed reference point for classification in this case is Vice President JD Vance's statement at the September 3, 2026 White House press briefing that he would not call the U.S. fight with Iran a war. Responses are recorded against that specific characterization. They are not recorded against whether the fighting itself is right or wrong, and not against the separate legal question of what the War Powers Resolution requires.
Asked by CNN's Kaitlan Collins whether the war would be over by the midterm elections, Vance said, "I wouldn't call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting. I recognize there have been places where this has flared up," and said major combat operations lasted about six weeks (The Hill (opens in a new tab); CNN rush transcript (opens in a new tab); C-SPAN clip (opens in a new tab)). In an earlier answer he pushed back on the phrase "an end to the war," saying major combat operations "are currently not ongoing, and they haven't been ongoing in a very long time" (CNN rush transcript (opens in a new tab)). The Associated Press (opens in a new tab) reported that Iran fired at Kuwait that day in retaliation for U.S. strikes earlier in the week.
President Trump defended the description the next day. Asked what the fighting is if it is not a war, he said, "I call it a military conflict because it's small potatoes for us," and said he could "see somebody not calling it a war" (Roll Call transcript (opens in a new tab); AP (opens in a new tab)). Trump has described the fighting in different ways on other dates. On March 25, he told a Republican fundraising dinner that he would use the words "military operation" instead of "war" and said his critics dislike the word because "you're supposed to get approval" (American Presidency Project (opens in a new tab)). On May 1, he told an audience in Florida, "we're in a war" (Roll Call transcript (opens in a new tab)).
Government documents describe the fighting in other terms, and one benefits dispute has turned on the word. In a May 1 letter to Congress, Trump wrote that the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 "have terminated" (letter (opens in a new tab)). On April 21, the State Department's Office of the Legal Adviser said Operation Epic Fury "is only the latest round of an ongoing international armed conflict with Iran" (State Department (opens in a new tab)). At the September 3 briefing, Collins asked Vance about the widow of an airman killed in the Iran war who, Collins said, was having trouble getting benefits because "it's not been officially declared a war." The Associated Press reported that the Air Force said this week that all eligible combat theater benefits were included, after acknowledging it had initially given her inaccurate information (AP (opens in a new tab)).
As of September 25, 2026, we could not locate a public response to Vance's remark from Speaker Mike Johnson or Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
People in this case
JD VanceDirectly involved
Donald TrumpDirectly involved
Ro KhannaCommented
Timeline
13 timeline entries on this page. Dates: February 28, 2026 to September 24, 2026
February 2026
1 event
Israel and the United States attack Iran
Incident
Israel and the United States launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Israeli officials told the Associated Press that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack, and AP initially reported no immediate comment from the U.S. or Iran on his status. AP later reported that Iranian state media confirmed his death.
[01]Iran’s supreme leader killed in major attack by US and Israel
Source excerpt
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, Israeli officials told The Associated Press on Saturday.
AP's report on the first day of the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran, Saturday, February 28, 2026. Israeli officials told AP that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed. AP reported no immediate comment from the U.S. or Iran on his status at that point.
Iran’s supreme leader killed in major attack by US and Israel · Associated PressOpening paragraphs
25 days between recorded events
March 2026
1 event
Trump says he will say "military operation" rather than "war"
Claim
President Trump said at the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner that he would use the words "military operation" rather than "war." He said his critics dislike the word "war" because "you're supposed to get approval."
[02]Remarks at the National Republican Congressional Committee Annual Fundraising Dinner
Source excerpt
I won't use the word "war" because they say if you use the word "war," that's maybe not a good thing to do. They don't like the word "war," because you're supposed to get approval. So I'll use the word "military operation," which is really what it is.
The American Presidency Project's transcript of President Trump's remarks on March 25, 2026 at Union Station. In the passage cited here he says he will use the words military operation rather than war.
Remarks at the National Republican Congressional Committee Annual Fundraising DinnerParagraph beginning "And now you see what they're doing"
27 days between recorded events
April 2026
2 events
State Department legal adviser describes Operation Epic Fury as part of an ongoing armed conflict
Source release
The State Department's Office of the Legal Adviser published "Operation Epic Fury and International Law." It said Epic Fury "is only the latest round of an ongoing international armed conflict with Iran" and that the United States is engaged in that conflict in the collective self-defense of Israel and in exercise of its own right of self-defense.
[03]Operation Epic Fury and International Law
Source excerpt
“Epic Fury is only the latest round of an ongoing international armed conflict with Iran.”
Published position of the State Department’s Office of the Legal Adviser setting out the administration’s international-law rationale for the operation. It is the government’s own legal argument, not an independent determination.
Operation Epic Fury and International LawOpening section.Speaker Johnson says "We are not at war" as the War Powers 60-day mark approaches
Claim
On Thursday, April 30, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the U.S. is "not at war" with Iran. Asked about the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution, he replied, "We are not at war." He also said, "I don't think we have an active, kinetic military bombing, firing or anything like that." The Hill reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee the same day that the ceasefire paused the 60-day clock.
[04]Johnson says ‘we’re not at war’ as Iran clock approaches 60 days
Source excerpt
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Thursday that the U.S. is “not at war” with Iran, as the 60-day mark since Congress was notified of the conflict approaches.
The Hill's report on Speaker Mike Johnson's comments on Thursday, April 30, 2026, as the 60-day mark under the War Powers Resolution approached. It also reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee that the ceasefire paused the 60-day clock.
Johnson says ‘we’re not at war’ as Iran clock approaches 60 days · The HillOpening paragraphs
May 2026
3 events
Trump's letter to Congress says the hostilities that began February 28 "have terminated"
Source release
In a May 1 letter on the posture of U.S. forces, President Trump wrote that he had ordered a two-week ceasefire on April 7 and that it had been extended. The letter says there had been "no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026." It states, "The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated."
[05]Letter from the President to the President pro tempore of the Senate, May 1, 2026
Source excerpt
“The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.”
War Powers Resolution correspondence reporting a change in force posture. It records the April 7, 2026 ceasefire and states that the hostilities begun on February 28 have terminated. The letter is a scanned image.
Letter from the President to the President pro tempore of the Senate, May 1, 2026Page 1, third body paragraph.Trump tells an audience in Florida "we're in a war"
Claim
Speaking to senior citizens at The Villages in Florida on the same date as the letter, President Trump said, "You know, we're in a war because I think you would agree we cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weapon."
[06]Donald Trump Discusses Benefits for Senior Citizens at an Event in Florida
Source excerpt
You know, we're in a war because I think you would agree we cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weapon.
Roll Call Factbase's transcript of President Trump's May 1, 2026 remarks to senior citizens at The Villages, Florida. The transcript records him saying we're in a war, on the same date as his letter to Congress reporting that hostilities had terminated.
Donald Trump Discusses Benefits for Senior Citizens at an Event in Florida · Roll CallTrump's remarks at The Villages, Florida, May 1, 2026, the passage that includes "we're in a war"[05]Letter from the President to the President pro tempore of the Senate, May 1, 2026
Source excerpt
“The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.”
War Powers Resolution correspondence reporting a change in force posture. It records the April 7, 2026 ceasefire and states that the hostilities begun on February 28 have terminated. The letter is a scanned image.
Letter from the President to the President pro tempore of the Senate, May 1, 2026Page 1, third body paragraph.Operation Epic Fury ended on May 5, the Pentagon later told CBS News
The Pentagon told CBS News in response to questions that Operation Epic Fury officially ended on May 5, a date CBS reported the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command had declined to disclose for months. CBS published the report on September 2. A Defense Department official told CBS that, since Epic Fury has concluded, the department classifies casualties as overseas operations in the Central Command area of responsibility.
[07]Military personnel told last month to stop calling Iran conflict "Operation Epic Fury"
Article published 2026-09-02 at 11:26 p.m. EDT (updated September 3). The statements are attributed to the Pentagon and to an unnamed Defense Department official.
Military personnel told last month to stop calling Iran conflict "Operation Epic Fury" · CBS NewsSecond paragraph (the Pentagon said Wednesday Epic Fury officially ended May 5), the third paragraph on the earlier refusal to disclose the date, and the paragraphs near the end quoting a Pentagon official on overseas operations and noting DCAS's July death in Epic Fury.
49 days between recorded events
June 2026
1 event
Both chambers agree to H. Con. Res. 86 on removing U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran
The House agreed to H. Con. Res. 86 on June 3, and the Senate agreed to it without amendment on June 23, according to the official roll-call records. The resolution directs the removal of U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran. The House vote was 215 to 208 and the Senate vote was 50 to 48. A concurrent resolution is not presented to the President and does not become law.
[08]House Roll Call 199: H. Con. Res. 86, directing removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran
Source excerpt
On Agreeing to the Resolution — Passed: yea 215, nay 208.
Official House vote record. The House agreed to the concurrent resolution. A concurrent resolution is not presented to the President and does not become law.
House Roll Call 199: H. Con. Res. 86, directing removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities with IranRoll Call 199, June 3, 2026, 5:16 PM.[09]Senate Roll Call 184: On the Concurrent Resolution (H. Con. Res. 86)
Source excerpt
Concurrent Resolution Agreed to — YEAs 50, NAYs 48, Not Voting 2.
Official Senate vote record. The Senate agreed to the concurrent resolution without amendment, completing action in both chambers.
Senate Roll Call 184: On the Concurrent Resolution (H. Con. Res. 86)Vote Number 184, June 23, 2026, 3:01 PM.
70 days between recorded events
September 2026
5 events
U.S. strikes Iranian coastal targets after attacks on shipping
Incident
On Tuesday, September 1, the United States launched airstrikes on Iran, hitting what it said were military targets along the coast in retaliation for Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters. The Hill reported roughly 100 strikes against Iranian targets, which the U.S. military described as retaliation for threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
[10]Vance says Iran conflict is not a war, declines to offer timeline for end
Source excerpt
On Tuesday, the United States launched airstrikes on Iran, hitting what it said were military targets along the coast in retaliation for Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters' report on the September 3, 2026 briefing. It reports that the two countries had exchanged attacks that week after a period of relative calm and that no diplomatic talks were underway.
Vance says Iran conflict is not a war, declines to offer timeline for end · ReutersOpening paragraphs and the paragraph on Tuesday's airstrikes[11]‘I wouldn’t call it a war,’ Vance says after Iran hostilities flare
Source excerpt
“I wouldn’t call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting. I recognize there have been places where this has flared up,” he said during the press briefing.
The Hill's report on the briefing. It reports that on Tuesday, September 1, the U.S. military carried out roughly 100 strikes against Iranian targets, which it described as retaliation for threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
‘I wouldn’t call it a war,’ Vance says after Iran hostilities flare · The HillOpening paragraphs and the paragraph on the week's strikesVance says he would not call the fighting a war
Claim
At the first White House press briefing since Karoline Leavitt stepped down as press secretary, Vice President JD Vance said, "I wouldn't call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting." He said there had been places where the fighting "has flared up" and that major combat operations lasted about six weeks. Iran fired at Kuwait that day in retaliation for U.S. strikes earlier in the week, according to AP.
[12]VP Vance on War With Iran: "I Wouldn't Call It a War."
Source excerpt
When asked by CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlin Collins if the war will be over by the midterm elections, Vance responds, "I wouldn't call it a war," explaining that major combat operations only lasted for six weeks.
C-SPAN's video clip of Vice President JD Vance answering a question about whether the fighting with Iran would be over by the midterm elections. C-SPAN's summary says he replied that he would not call it a war and said major combat operations lasted about six weeks.
VP Vance on War With Iran: "I Wouldn't Call It a War." · C-SPANClip of Vance's answer to CNN's Kaitlan Collins at the September 3, 2026 White House press briefing[13]U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance Gives White House Briefing (CNN rush transcript, September 3, 2026)
Source excerpt
I wouldn't call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting. I recognize there is -- there have been places where this has flared up, major combat operations.
CNN's rush transcript of the September 3, 2026 White House briefing, aired on Isa Soares Tonight. CNN marks the copy as possibly not in its final form. It contains Vance's answer to Kaitlan Collins about the midterm elections and an earlier answer in which he pushed back on the phrase an end to the war.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance Gives White House Briefing (CNN rush transcript, September 3, 2026) · CNNVance's answer to Kaitlan Collins beginning "Well, Kaitlan, again, I don't -- I wouldn't call it a war"; earlier answer beginning "Well, first of all, in the phrase an end to the war"[14]Vance says Iran fight isn’t a ‘war’ as Trump tries to navigate unpopular conflict as election nears
Source excerpt
“I wouldn’t call it a war,” Vance said after being asked during a White House press briefing about whether the fighting could end before voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 congressional elections. “Right now, there is no active shooting.”
AP's report on Vance's remark at the September 3, 2026 briefing. It reports that Iran fired at Kuwait that day in retaliation for U.S. strikes earlier in the week and that the conflict had left 18 U.S. service members dead.
Vance says Iran fight isn’t a ‘war’ as Trump tries to navigate unpopular conflict as election nears · Associated PressOpening paragraphs[10]Vance says Iran conflict is not a war, declines to offer timeline for end
Source excerpt
On Tuesday, the United States launched airstrikes on Iran, hitting what it said were military targets along the coast in retaliation for Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters' report on the September 3, 2026 briefing. It reports that the two countries had exchanged attacks that week after a period of relative calm and that no diplomatic talks were underway.
Vance says Iran conflict is not a war, declines to offer timeline for end · ReutersOpening paragraphs and the paragraph on Tuesday's airstrikesAP reports the Air Force confirmed combat benefits for an airman's widow who said she was told the U.S. was not at war
CNN's Kaitlan Collins asked Vance at the September 3 briefing about the widow of Air Force Maj. Alex Klinner, saying she was having trouble getting benefits because it had not been officially declared a war. Vance said the administration would reach out to her. AP reported on September 4 that she said she was told her husband was ineligible for combat-related benefits because "we were not at war," and that the Air Force, after acknowledging it had initially given her inaccurate information, confirmed "all eligible combat theater benefits were included." AP noted that combat pay is "not conditioned on a formal war declaration."
[15]Widow of airman killed in Mideast is upset she was told Iran wasn’t a war while sorting out benefits
Source excerpt
“My husband lost his life because we’re in a war, and then I was told that because it’s not technically a war, we lose out on something,” Klinner told The Associated Press.
AP's report, published September 4, 2026, on the widow of Air Force Maj. Alex Klinner, one of six crew members of a KC-135 that crashed in western Iraq in March while supporting operations against Iran. It reports that she was told he was ineligible for combat-related benefits because "we were not at war," that the Air Force later confirmed the benefits were included, and that Vance was asked about her case at the September 3 briefing.
Widow of airman killed in Mideast is upset she was told Iran wasn’t a war while sorting out benefits · Associated PressOpening paragraphs and the sections on the war label and the Air Force's clarification[13]U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance Gives White House Briefing (CNN rush transcript, September 3, 2026)
Source excerpt
I wouldn't call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting. I recognize there is -- there have been places where this has flared up, major combat operations.
CNN's rush transcript of the September 3, 2026 White House briefing, aired on Isa Soares Tonight. CNN marks the copy as possibly not in its final form. It contains Vance's answer to Kaitlan Collins about the midterm elections and an earlier answer in which he pushed back on the phrase an end to the war.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance Gives White House Briefing (CNN rush transcript, September 3, 2026) · CNNVance's answer to Kaitlan Collins beginning "Well, Kaitlan, again, I don't -- I wouldn't call it a war"; earlier answer beginning "Well, first of all, in the phrase an end to the war"House agrees to H. Con. Res. 93 on removing U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran
The House agreed to H. Con. Res. 93, sponsored by Rep. Seth Moulton, on September 15 by a vote of 220 to 204. The resolution directs the President to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran. It was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on September 16.
[16]H.Con.Res.93 - Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran
Source excerpt
Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 204 (Roll no. 307).
Congress.gov's page for H. Con. Res. 93, sponsored by Rep. Seth Moulton. It records House agreement on September 15, 2026 by 220 to 204 and receipt in the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on September 16.
H.Con.Res.93 - Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran · United States CongressLatest action and legislative statusIran's president tells Fox News the war was imposed on Iran
In an interview with Fox News's Bret Baier that Fox reported on Thursday, September 24, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran does not want the war to continue. Fox quoted him as saying, "with the instigations conducted by Israel, they have imposed this war on us."
[17]Iranian president claims Iran open to nuclear program verification
Source excerpt
"I deeply believe that humans should not cause the death of another human. But with the instigations conducted by Israel, they have imposed this war on us.
Fox News Digital's report on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's interview with Fox's Bret Baier, published Thursday, September 24, 2026. It reports that he said Iran does not want the war to continue.
Iranian president claims Iran open to nuclear program verification · Fox NewsParagraphs on Pezeshkian's answers about the war
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What was said
Attributed statement
Vice President JD Vance said he would not call the U.S. fight with Iran a war, saying there is no active shooting right now and that major combat operations lasted about six weeks.
Sources (2)
- U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance Gives White House Briefing (CNN rush transcript, September 3, 2026) · CNNVance's answer to Kaitlan Collins beginning "Well, Kaitlan, again, I don't -- I wouldn't call it a war"; earlier answer beginning "Well, first of all, in the phrase an end to the war"
- VP Vance on War With Iran: "I Wouldn't Call It a War." · C-SPANClip of Vance's answer to CNN's Kaitlan Collins at the September 3, 2026 White House press briefing
Attributed statement
Sen. Bernie Sanders said Vance's statement that what is happening in Iran is not a war should be explained to the families of the 19 U.S. service members and the thousands of other people killed across the region.
Sources (1)
- Bernie Sanders post on X, September 4, 2026Full X post, published September 4, 2026 at 19:42 UTC
Attributed statement
The State Department's Office of the Legal Adviser said Operation Epic Fury is only the latest round of an ongoing international armed conflict with Iran.
U.S. Department of State
Sources (1)
- Operation Epic Fury and International LawOpening section.
Response record
Responses
Latest recorded positions: 10. Dates: April 30, 2026 to September 7, 2026
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
2 responses on this page
Esmaeil Baghaei "it is an overt military aggression against Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Iran’s Baghaei responds to Vance after war comments · Al Arabiya EnglishParagraphs beginning "Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei on Monday responded"Read the original post (opens in a new tab)Al Arabiya English post on X, September 7, 2026 · Al Arabiya EnglishVideo post published September 7, 2026 at 11:39 UTCChallenged the characterizationResponding to: Vice President JD Vance said he would not call the U.S. fight with Iran a war, saying there is no active shooting right now and that major combat operations lasted about six weeks.
Read more
In a press briefing after Vance's remark, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, as quoted by Al Arabiya English, that the fighting is "an overt military aggression against Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity." Al Arabiya reported that he described the conflict as not a war but as that aggression.
Role at the time: Spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a press briefing
Before the statement
Vance had said at the September 3 White House briefing that he would not call the fighting a war.
After the statement
Al Arabiya reported that Baghaei also said a Qatari delegation was in Iran on Sunday to help de-escalate tension between the U.S. and Iran.
Iran’s Baghaei responds to Vance after war comments · Al Arabiya EnglishParagraphs beginning "Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei on Monday responded"Al Arabiya English post on X, September 7, 2026 · Al Arabiya EnglishVideo post published September 7, 2026 at 11:39 UTCWhy this label?
Baghaei disputes Vance's description and offers a different one, saying the fighting is an overt military aggression against Iran's sovereignty. He replaces the label rather than denouncing Vance's statement as such, so challenges the characterization fits better than condemns.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ro Khanna"JD Vance says he “wouldn’t call it a war,” but Donald Trump says “we’re winning the war.” A totally incoherent administration without any strategy. Here is what I know: We must end this war."
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)Ro Khanna post on X, September 3, 2026Full X post with attached video, published September 3, 2026 at 19:08 UTCWatch the original video (opens in a new tab)VP Vance on War With Iran: "I Wouldn't Call It a War." · C-SPANClip of Vance's answer to CNN's Kaitlan Collins at the September 3, 2026 White House press briefingChallenged the characterizationResponding to: Vice President JD Vance said he would not call the U.S. fight with Iran a war, saying there is no active shooting right now and that major combat operations lasted about six weeks.
Read more
Khanna noted that Vance "wouldn't call it a war" while Trump says "we're winning the war", and called the administration "totally incoherent" and without a strategy. He wrote "We must end this war".
Role at the time: U.S. representative from California, in a post on X
Before the statement
Khanna posted on the day of Vance's briefing, with a video attached to the post.
After the statement
The post ends with a call to end the war.
Ro Khanna post on X, September 3, 2026Full X post with attached video, published September 3, 2026 at 19:08 UTCVP Vance on War With Iran: "I Wouldn't Call It a War." · C-SPANClip of Vance's answer to CNN's Kaitlan Collins at the September 3, 2026 White House press briefingWhy this label?
Khanna disputes Vance's label by setting it against Trump's description of the same fighting as a war, and he refers to the fighting as "this war." He criticizes the administration's messaging as incoherent rather than denouncing the label itself, so challenges the characterization fits better than condemns.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(29)
Original video
VP Vance on War With Iran: "I Wouldn't Call It a War."
Relevant passage: Clip of Vance's answer to CNN's Kaitlan Collins at the September 3, 2026 White House press briefing
Excerpt
"When asked by CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlin Collins if the war will be over by the midterm elections, Vance responds, "I wouldn't call it a war," explaining that major combat operations only lasted for six weeks."
About this source
C-SPAN's video clip of Vice President JD Vance answering a question about whether the fighting with Iran would be over by the midterm elections. C-SPAN's summary says he replied that he would not call it a war and said major combat operations lasted about six weeks.
- Author
- C-SPAN
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Iranian president claims Iran open to nuclear program verification
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on Pezeshkian's answers about the war
Excerpt
""I deeply believe that humans should not cause the death of another human. But with the instigations conducted by Israel, they have imposed this war on us."
About this source
Fox News Digital's report on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's interview with Fox's Bret Baier, published Thursday, September 24, 2026. It reports that he said Iran does not want the war to continue.
- Author
- Fox News Digital
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
H.Con.Res.93 - Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran
Relevant passage: Latest action and legislative status
Excerpt
"Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 204 (Roll no. 307)."
About this source
Congress.gov's page for H. Con. Res. 93, sponsored by Rep. Seth Moulton. It records House agreement on September 15, 2026 by 220 to 204 and receipt in the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on September 16.
- Author
- Congress.gov
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Donald Trump Discusses Benefits for Senior Citizens at an Event in Florida
Relevant passage: Trump's remarks at The Villages, Florida, May 1, 2026, the passage that includes "we're in a war"
Excerpt
"You know, we're in a war because I think you would agree we cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weapon."
About this source
Roll Call Factbase's transcript of President Trump's May 1, 2026 remarks to senior citizens at The Villages, Florida. The transcript records him saying we're in a war, on the same date as his letter to Congress reporting that hostilities had terminated.
- Author
- Roll Call Factbase
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Johnson says ‘we’re not at war’ as Iran clock approaches 60 days
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs
Excerpt
"House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Thursday that the U.S. is “not at war” with Iran, as the 60-day mark since Congress was notified of the conflict approaches."
About this source
The Hill's report on Speaker Mike Johnson's comments on Thursday, April 30, 2026, as the 60-day mark under the War Powers Resolution approached. It also reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee that the ceasefire paused the 60-day clock.
- Author
- Max Rego
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Remarks at the National Republican Congressional Committee Annual Fundraising Dinner
Relevant passage: Paragraph beginning "And now you see what they're doing"
Excerpt
"I won't use the word "war" because they say if you use the word "war," that's maybe not a good thing to do. They don't like the word "war," because you're supposed to get approval. So I'll use the word "military operation," which is really what it is."
About this source
The American Presidency Project's transcript of President Trump's remarks on March 25, 2026 at Union Station. In the passage cited here he says he will use the words military operation rather than war.
- Author
- The American Presidency Project
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Iran’s supreme leader killed in major attack by US and Israel
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs
Excerpt
"Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, Israeli officials told The Associated Press on Saturday."
About this source
AP's report on the first day of the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran, Saturday, February 28, 2026. Israeli officials told AP that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed. AP reported no immediate comment from the U.S. or Iran on his status at that point.
- Author
- The Associated Press
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Widow of airman killed in Mideast is upset she was told Iran wasn’t a war while sorting out benefits
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs and the sections on the war label and the Air Force's clarification
Excerpt
"“My husband lost his life because we’re in a war, and then I was told that because it’s not technically a war, we lose out on something,” Klinner told The Associated Press."
About this source
AP's report, published September 4, 2026, on the widow of Air Force Maj. Alex Klinner, one of six crew members of a KC-135 that crashed in western Iraq in March while supporting operations against Iran. It reports that she was told he was ineligible for combat-related benefits because "we were not at war," that the Air Force later confirmed the benefits were included, and that Vance was asked about her case at the September 3 briefing.
- Author
- Jack Brook and Konstantin Toropin
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Al Arabiya English post on X, September 7, 2026
Excerpt
"US Vice President JD Vance says he would not call the conflict with Iran “a war,” saying there is currently no active shooting. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei responds that it is an “overt military aggression” against Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
About this source
Al Arabiya English's video post pairing a clip of Vance's remark with a clip of Baghaei's response. The video carries English subtitles.
- Author
- Al Arabiya English
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Iran’s Baghaei responds to Vance after war comments
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning "Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei on Monday responded"
Excerpt
"Baghaei responded on Monday saying in a press briefing that the conflict was not a war but “it is an overt military aggression against Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”"
About this source
Al Arabiya English's report, published September 7, 2026, on the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson's press briefing that day. The English wording of Baghaei's remark is as published by Al Arabiya.
- Author
- Al Arabiya English
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
'This Week' Transcript 9-6-26: Energy Secretary Chris Wright, former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall & Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
Relevant passage: Interview of Chris Wright by Martha Raddatz, answers beginning "Look, it's a challenge" and "Well, we'd love to see help from allies"
Excerpt
"We're still in a conflict, for sure."
About this source
ABC's rush transcript of This Week for September 6, 2026. In the interview, host Martha Raddatz asks Energy Secretary Chris Wright whether the U.S. is still at war with Iran. ABC marks the transcript as possibly not in its final form.
- Author
- ABC News
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Massie blasts Vance for saying Iran conflict isn't a war
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning "Massie, who has consistently voted" through "Why not attempt to get"
Excerpt
"“I think playing these semantics is an insult to the men and women fighting the war and to those who’ve already sacrificed,” Massie concluded. “Why not attempt to get the constitutionally and legally mandated congressional approval so they can call a war a war?”"
About this source
The Washington Examiner's report on comments Massie made to the outlet on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the day of Vance's briefing. The article quotes Massie directly.
- Author
- Christian Datoc
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Chuck Schumer post on X, September 4, 2026
Excerpt
"“Small potatoes.” That’s how Donald Trump feels about the war he started in Iran. Tell that to the families of the 18 troops we’ve lost, the hundreds of wounded servicemembers, and the Americans suffering every single day from record high prices. There's nothing small about it."
About this source
Schumer's post on his X account, @SenSchumer. It quotes an exchange from Trump's September 4 Oval Office remarks in which a reporter asks what the fighting is if it is not a war.
- Author
- Chuck Schumer
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Amy McGrath post on X, September 3, 2026
Excerpt
"He wouldn’t call it a war? Are you kidding me? Tell that to the families who have lost loved ones or those dealing with injuries from actual combat since February!"
About this source
McGrath's post on her X account, @AmyMcGrathKY. It quotes a clip of Vance saying he would not call the fighting a war and saying he does not know the answer to when it will end.
- Author
- Amy McGrath
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Ro Khanna post on X, September 3, 2026
Excerpt
"JD Vance says he “wouldn’t call it a war,” but Donald Trump says “we’re winning the war.” A totally incoherent administration without any strategy. Here is what I know: We must end this war."
About this source
Khanna's post on his X account, @RoKhanna, with a video attached. It responds to Vance's remark at the September 3 briefing and sets it beside Trump's statement that the U.S. is winning the war.
- Author
- Ro Khanna
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Bernie Sanders post on X, September 4, 2026
Excerpt
"JD Vance said what’s happening in Iran is not a “war.” Please explain that to the families of the 19 U.S. service members who lost their lives or the thousands of people who have been killed across the region."
About this source
Sanders' post on his X account, @BernieSanders. It responds to Vance's remark at the September 3 briefing and quotes another account's clip of Vance's answer.
- Author
- Bernie Sanders
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Trump calls Iran conflict ‘small potatoes’ and defends Vance’s position that it’s not a ‘war’
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs
Excerpt
"“I can understand what he’s saying,” said Trump. He added: “I call it a military conflict because it’s small potatoes for us. It’s not a big thing.”"
About this source
AP's report on Trump's Oval Office remarks on September 4, 2026. It reports that 18 U.S. service members had died in the conflict and that the war began February 28.
- Author
- Aamer Madhani
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Remarks: Donald Trump Signs an Executive Order on Livestock and Market Access - September 4, 2026
Relevant passage: Trump's answers at 00:25:30-00:25:53 and 00:26:29-00:26:40
Excerpt
"Well, I'll tell you what, a lot of people don't call it a war. I call it a military conflict because it's small potatoes for us. It's not a big thing."
About this source
Roll Call Factbase's transcript of the Oval Office event at which Trump signed an executive order and took questions from reporters. It contains his answers about whether the fighting with Iran is a war.
- Author
- Roll Call Factbase
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
President Trump Calls Iran War "Small Potatoes"
Relevant passage: Clip of Trump's Oval Office exchange with reporters, September 4, 2026
Excerpt
"President Trump tells reporters in the Oval Office that he doesn't view the military conflict with Iran as a "war," echoing similar sentiments expressed by Vice President JD Vance on Thursday. "I call it a military conflict because it's small potatoes for us," the president says."
About this source
C-SPAN's clip of President Trump answering reporters' questions in the Oval Office the day after Vance's briefing. C-SPAN's summary says Trump does not view the fighting as a war and quotes his remark that it is small potatoes for the U.S.
- Author
- C-SPAN
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Vance says Iran conflict is not a war, declines to offer timeline for end
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs and the paragraph on Tuesday's airstrikes
Excerpt
"On Tuesday, the United States launched airstrikes on Iran, hitting what it said were military targets along the coast in retaliation for Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz."
About this source
Reuters' report on the September 3, 2026 briefing. It reports that the two countries had exchanged attacks that week after a period of relative calm and that no diplomatic talks were underway.
- Author
- Humeyra Pamuk and Steve Holland
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
‘I wouldn’t call it a war,’ Vance says after Iran hostilities flare
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs and the paragraph on the week's strikes
Excerpt
"“I wouldn’t call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting. I recognize there have been places where this has flared up,” he said during the press briefing."
About this source
The Hill's report on the briefing. It reports that on Tuesday, September 1, the U.S. military carried out roughly 100 strikes against Iranian targets, which it described as retaliation for threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Author
- Mallory Wilson
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Vance says Iran fight isn’t a ‘war’ as Trump tries to navigate unpopular conflict as election nears
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs
Excerpt
"“I wouldn’t call it a war,” Vance said after being asked during a White House press briefing about whether the fighting could end before voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 congressional elections. “Right now, there is no active shooting.”"
About this source
AP's report on Vance's remark at the September 3, 2026 briefing. It reports that Iran fired at Kuwait that day in retaliation for U.S. strikes earlier in the week and that the conflict had left 18 U.S. service members dead.
- Author
- Aamer Madhani
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
JD Vance Holds a Press Briefing at The White House
Relevant passage: Vance's answer at 00:35:10-00:35:31 of the briefing
Excerpt
"Well, Caitlin, again, I don't -- I wouldn't call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting. I recognize there is -- there have been places where this has flared up."
About this source
Roll Call Factbase's transcript of the full September 3, 2026 briefing, with time marks. It spells the reporter's first name Caitlin. The wording of Vance's answer matches the CNN transcript apart from punctuation.
- Author
- Roll Call Factbase
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance Gives White House Briefing (CNN rush transcript, September 3, 2026)
Relevant passage: Vance's answer to Kaitlan Collins beginning "Well, Kaitlan, again, I don't -- I wouldn't call it a war"; earlier answer beginning "Well, first of all, in the phrase an end to the war"
Excerpt
"I wouldn't call it a war. Right now, there is no active shooting. I recognize there is -- there have been places where this has flared up, major combat operations."
About this source
CNN's rush transcript of the September 3, 2026 White House briefing, aired on Isa Soares Tonight. CNN marks the copy as possibly not in its final form. It contains Vance's answer to Kaitlan Collins about the midterm elections and an earlier answer in which he pushed back on the phrase an end to the war.
- Author
- CNN
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Military personnel told last month to stop calling Iran conflict "Operation Epic Fury"
Relevant passage: Second paragraph (the Pentagon said Wednesday Epic Fury officially ended May 5), the third paragraph on the earlier refusal to disclose the date, and the paragraphs near the end quoting a Pentagon official on overseas operations and noting DCAS's July death in Epic Fury.
About this source
Article published 2026-09-02 at 11:26 p.m. EDT (updated September 3). The statements are attributed to the Pentagon and to an unnamed Defense Department official.
- Author
- James LaPorta
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Operation Epic Fury and International Law
Relevant passage: Opening section.
Excerpt
"“Epic Fury is only the latest round of an ongoing international armed conflict with Iran.”"
About this source
Published position of the State Department’s Office of the Legal Adviser setting out the administration’s international-law rationale for the operation. It is the government’s own legal argument, not an independent determination.
- Author
- U.S. Department of State, Office of the Legal Adviser
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Letter from the President to the President pro tempore of the Senate, May 1, 2026
Relevant passage: Page 1, third body paragraph.
Excerpt
"“The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.”"
About this source
War Powers Resolution correspondence reporting a change in force posture. It records the April 7, 2026 ceasefire and states that the hostilities begun on February 28 have terminated. The letter is a scanned image.
- Author
- The President of the United States
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Senate Roll Call 184: On the Concurrent Resolution (H. Con. Res. 86)
Relevant passage: Vote Number 184, June 23, 2026, 3:01 PM.
Excerpt
"Concurrent Resolution Agreed to — YEAs 50, NAYs 48, Not Voting 2."
About this source
Official Senate vote record. The Senate agreed to the concurrent resolution without amendment, completing action in both chambers.
- Author
- United States Senate
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
House Roll Call 199: H. Con. Res. 86, directing removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran
Relevant passage: Roll Call 199, June 3, 2026, 5:16 PM.
Excerpt
"On Agreeing to the Resolution — Passed: yea 215, nay 208."
About this source
Official House vote record. The House agreed to the concurrent resolution. A concurrent resolution is not presented to the President and does not become law.
- Author
- Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives
- Published
- Accessed