News Summary at 3:13 a.m. EDT

Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. conflict with Iran should not be called a “war,” even as tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran fired at a U.S. ally, Kuwait, in retaliation for U.S. strikes, but Vance emphasized that the U.S. is responding to Iran’s targeting of commercial vessels. Oil prices remain high, and the U.S. Navy reports “great success” escorting oil-carrying ships through the strait, though traffic remains far below prewar levels. President Donald Trump is reportedly leaning on economic pressure rather than renewed bombardment. The strikes against Jordan also test U.S. ties with a key Middle East partner as Jordanian bases face repeated attacks.