JD Vance says U.S. will "apply a lot of economic pressure" on Iran, not major combat

Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that Washington is now relying mainly on financial and energy leverage rather than major combat in its confrontation with Iran, describing the approach as a balancing act because Tehran could respond with its own economic measures. He argued that increasing U.S. oil and gas production would lower American fuel prices while also squeezing Iran’s revenue and influencing its strategic thinking. His remarks followed President Donald Trump’s assertions that U.S. military strikes had weakened Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s pledge of record-level sanctions, with details expected Monday. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and two earlier ceasefires collapsed. Iran condemned the penalties, and China, which buys most of Iran’s exported oil, called for diplomacy.