Donald Trump has grown impatient with the U.S.-Iran conflict, now in its fifth month, sparking a backlash from oil price pressures and election-related strains.
According to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, five months into the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump has grown increasingly frustrated over the prolonged war and lashed out at Iran’s leadership during a White House meeting. People familiar with the matter said Trump had earlier expected the conflict to end in weeks, but the situation has since escalated. Recently, he has grown more skeptical of the possibility of long-term peace through negotiations, arguing Iran only responds to military pressure.
The report notes divisions exist within the Trump administration over diplomatic paths. His negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff still believe a deal with Iran is possible, while some advisors argue Tehran has entered a retaliatory mode and continued military operations may be the only option. With the ceasefire collapsed, the U.S. and Iran have exchanged fire recently. Following Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, oil prices have risen further, with Trump warning Iran would face “significant military punishment” if the attacks persist.
The ongoing war has also started to impact U.S. domestic politics. U.S. gasoline prices have risen back above $4 per gallon, and U.S. Treasury yields have hit a new high during Trump’s second term. Markets worry high oil prices and economic pressure will weaken the Republican Party’s performance in the midterm elections. Meanwhile, tensions have emerged between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Officials said Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Netanyahu, stating he does not want to meet or speak with him frequently.
Additionally, the war is deepening rifts within Trump’s conservative base. Some long-time supporters worry the conflict will drag down the Republican Party’s election prospects, while Trump advisor Steve Bannon even criticized Netanyahu for dragging the U.S. into “a terrible conflict full of lies.”
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