Vance said the United States is currently in the “middle of the game” regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran, detailing active diplomatic discussions aimed at restoring oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz and clearing naval mines. We’re trying to maximize the amount of oil and gas that are coming out of the Strait of Hormuz,” Vance said, noting that crude oil prices have recently dipped toward $80 a barrel. “If you go back and remember what it is that we’ve done here, we’ve destroyed their nuclear program. Vance noted that Iran and neighboring Gulf nations, specifically Oman, have been negotiating traffic schemes to protect commercial shipping. “The one problem, of course, is the Iranians laid a large number of mines at the beginning of the war,” Vance explained.