In public, US President Donald Trump continues to talk tough about his war on Iran. He remains convinced that the US and its partners will emerge victorious.
But behind closed doors, his advisors have been urging the US president to find an “exit plan” to “extract” Washington from the Iranian war. According to the Wall Street Journal, advisors are concerned about political backlash from what appears to be a rushed war with no strategy driving US actions.
Those closest to Trump are suggesting that he make the case that the military has largely achieved its targets, thus prompting the need to end the war.
While many still support Washington and Tel Aviv’s war, others have expressed concerns to the president that continuing it could “erode political support,” the report adds.
Advisors are worried by recent polls that show that most US citizens oppose the campaign against Iran, which was launched without congressional approval and with no clear objectives or provocation.
“Some of Trump’s advisors watched with alarm as oil prices shot to over $100 a barrel. They have also fielded calls about the midterm elections from some nervous Republicans,” the WSJ sources added.
Trump also said he was “nowhere near” a decision on whether or not to send ground troops to Iran. Tehran says it is “waiting” for ground troops and has prepared a “disaster” for them.
According to Al Jazeera, US envoy Steve Witkoff has attempted to open a backchannel with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to test Tehran’s willingness for a ceasefire. The report added that Tehran has refused.
War rhetoric between Iran and the United States is intensifying as both sides present sharply different narratives about the conflict.
Ali Fadavi, deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, mocked Donald Trump, claiming Washington is quietly seeking a ceasefire while Tehran prepares “new surprises.” Trump, however, insists the war is going “great” and says the U.S. has already inflicted massive damage inside Iran.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials, including Israel Katz, say operations will continue without a time limit. Rising tensions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz are also raising concerns about global energy security.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said there are three firm conditions to a ceasefire. “Talking to leaders of Russia and Pakistan, I reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace in the region,” he wrote in a social media post. “The only way to end this war — ignited by the Zionist regime and US — is recognising Iran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression,” he said.
