U.S. Vice President Vance said on the 8th that talks with Iran are ongoing and
the U.S.-Iran confrontation remains in the "mid-game." He told Fox News the
conflict has not ended but has moved beyond the opening phase. Washington is
deploying diplomatic, economic and military measures to secure the best outcome.
Vance said the U.S. priority is to maximize oil and gas flows through the Strait
of Hormuz and is watching whether Iran will make the long-term changes needed to
improve relations; if not, the U.S. will continue to apply pressure. He added
the U.S. is working to establish a navigation mechanism to ensure safe passage
for vessels, including mine-clearing, which would also require Iran to commit
not to fire on merchant ships.
