US Vice President JD Vance told journalists that President Donald Trump threatened to make him the White House press secretary if he performed too well during a press briefing. ^[1] Vice President JD Vance stated on September 03, 2026, that he would not call the ongoing conflict with Iran a war. ^[2] Karoline Leavitt unexpectedly left her role as White House Press Secretary to spend more time with her family. ^[3] The conflict has claimed the lives of 18 U.S. service members and injured at least 750 others since President Donald Trump announced the start of hostilities. ^[4] The conflict has cost between $71 billion and $118 billion according to the article's reporting. ^[5] Vance stated that major combat operations lasted for about six weeks before the destruction of nuclear facilities and the defense industrial base. ^[6] Vice President JD Vance asserted that major military operations in the conflict lasted approximately six weeks, beginning on February 28, 2026. ^[7] Vice President JD Vance claimed that there is currently no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran, despite recent mutual attacks in the Persian Gulf. ^[8] Vice President JD Vance stated that the United States successfully destroyed Iranian nuclear facilities during the conflict. ^[9] The US administration is considering assigning communication duties with journalists to cabinet members, a practice already used when Leavitt was on maternity leave. ^[10] The conflict between the United States and Iran, initiated by the US and Israel, has lasted six months without achieving the objective of overthrowing the regime of the ayatollahs. ^[11]