JD Vance, the U.S. vice president, told Fox News: “A large part of what we do is to ensure the free flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz.”

He also said: “What I learned from the Iran war is that Iranians are willing to do anything.”

Vance said he does not think the Islamic Republic will act with a clear and strategic outlook, and added: “The leadership of the Iranian government is willing to do anything to disrupt the flow of oil and gas without strategic calculations.”