Trump downplays Iran conflict as 'small potatoes' amid war of words

In early September 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump backed Vice President Vance's remark that the conflict with Iran is 'not a war,' calling it 'small potatoes.' This came as Iran's state media urged Americans not to let their children become 'mercenaries' for Israel's war, and as U.S. intelligence reportedly believed Iran aims to prolong the conflict and unsettle Trump ahead of the midterm elections. Iran also welcomed China's call for a new regional security architecture and condemned U.S. attacks on oil tankers as violations of international law.