Vance says first phase of Iran war complete, new phase coming

Vice President JD Vance declared on Tuesday that the first phase of the U.S. military campaign against Iran is complete and that the conflict will enter a "much different phase" within months, shifting focus from large-scale offensive operations to preventing Tehran from rebuilding its capabilities. Speaking in an interview aboard Air Force Two, Vance characterized the war as having two distinct stages. "There are really two phases to this thing, and the first phase is done," he said. "The first phase was destroy the nuclear program, destroy their conventional military, destroy their ability to project power in a way that they were able to even a couple of years ago." The second phase, Vance explained, will aim to ensure Iran is "not able to rebuild and try to maintain as much global stability in the wake of that." His comments align with President Donald Trump's prediction last week that the conflict could wind down after the November midterm 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. Vance stated that the U.S.