Trump downplays Iran conflict as 'insignificant', backs Vance amid 18 US deaths

President Trump characterized ongoing attacks from Iran as 'intermittent' and 'insignificant', defending VP Vance's refusal to label the situation a 'war'. This rhetoric marks a deliberate de-escalation in official framing despite 18 US military fatalities, signaling potential policy restraint. The gap between administration language and on-ground casualties raises questions about escalation management and domestic political positioning.