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Oil Flows Rise Through Hormuz as US Rules Out Iran Talks Until Shipping Attacks Stop, Vance Says

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US efforts have kept energy markets supplied, with 15 million barrels crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, Vice President J D Vance said Thursday while briefing members of the media.

"Last night, 15 million barrels came out of the Strait of Hormuz," Vance said, adding that US action had kept oil and gas moving despite continued Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.

Vance said Iran's attacks have pushed US gas prices higher, but the impact on global energy markets has weakened as more ships resume passage through Hormuz.

He added that Washington will not set a timeline for ending its military efforts, arguing that Iran's continued attacks require the US to protect commercial shipping and maintain global energy supplies.

He noted that "... major combat operations are currently not ongoing and they haven't been ongoing in a very long time."

"Our message to the Iranians is simple... you've got to stop shooting at commercial shipping," Vance said, calling an end to the attacks essential.

Vance ruled out negotiations with Tehran while Iran attacks commercial vessels, saying, "... the president's been very clear: we're not talking to them, and we're not going to talk to them unless they stop shooting at commercial shipping."

The vice president said Washington has multiple options to pressure Iran.

"...everything that could happen is on the table, economic pressure, military pressure, diplomatic pressure, covert pressure," Vance said, adding that the administration would not reveal its plans and limit the president's decision-making options.

Vance said the US has seen cooperation from China and other countries, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, in efforts to pressure Iran over attacks on shipping.

"So, we've certainly had a number of conversations with the Chinese, and frankly, I think the Chinese have been responsive to some of the requests that we've made," Vance said.

He went on to say, "Again I'm not saying they're doing everything that we've asked them to do."

Vance said the administration wants to deny Iran the resources needed to rebuild its nuclear program, while protecting commercial shipping and maintaining energy supplies remain central US objectives.

The vice president said the US destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities during about six weeks of major combat operations and later made it harder for Tehran to rebuild its nuclear capabilities.

Vance called the Venezuela operation "an amazing testament to what a smart foreign policy could look like," saying it created "effectively a new 65 billion barrel of oil reserve for the United States."

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