VP Vance Says U.S. Has Moved Oil Out of Strait of Hormuz, Backs Trump's Pressure on Iran

Vice President JD Vance backed President Donald Trump's economic measures against Iran, calling them an effective tool for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil Flowing Through Strait of Hormuz

On Thursday, the White House rapid response account posted a clip of Vance's interview on "The Clay and Buck Show."

Vance acknowledged oil prices remain elevated but noted prices have "come down significantly from the highs," attributing this to the U.S. military's ability to "move a lot of oil and natural gas out of the Strait of Hormuz," echoing what Trump's Energy Secretary Chris Wright has said.

He then called the waterway a "pressure point" for Iran, while adding that the amount of oil shipped through the region needs to increase. "If we can get enough oil and gas out to ease the price pressure on Americans," while Iran is "penalized" for "firing at commercial ships," it would put "a lot of economic pressure" on Tehran.

Vance said the U.S. would "do everything we can" to ensure Iran cannot fire at commercial ships. "I think we've been fairly successful," he said.

.@VP on Iran: "We're in a new phase now where our most effective tool is economic pressure... We're going to keep doing that because we think it's the best way to ultimately achieve the end goal."

— Rapid Response 47, August 20, 2026

Economic Pressure Marks New Phase, Vance Says

In the same interview, Vance also touted a "new phase" in the situation and said the U.S. has applied pressure on Iran's weapons manufacturing capabilities. Vance said the "most effective" tool available to the U.S. is "economic pressure."

Vance also called the situation "delicate" as the Iranian government may attempt to apply economic pressure on the U.S. "They're feeling a lot more pressure than we are," Vance said.

"We're going to keep doing that because we think it's the best way to ultimately achieve the end goal," namely denuclearization. He also said the U.S. wants to ensure Iran does not build nuclear facilities either.

.@VP on Iran: "We're in a new phase now where our most effective tool is economic pressure... We're going to keep doing that because we think it's the best way to ultimately achieve the end goal."

— Rapid Response 47, August 20, 2026

Trump Moves Up Winter Gasoline Blend

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency fuel waiver Thursday, allowing an early switch to winter gasoline blends, which will add hundreds of thousands of barrels per day to gasoline supply, according to the agency, leading to lower prices at the pump.

Meanwhile, U.S. diesel prices remain elevated, with the diesel crack spread having earlier reached $102 per barrel.