Trump Weighs Declaring Iran War Over as Wider Conflict Threatens Midterm Blowback

President Donald Trump has privately discussed with senior aides whether to declare the war with Iran over, the Wall Street Journal reported on September 3. The talks reflect growing concern that a broader conflict could become a political liability for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.

Trump has recently debated with top advisers whether to announce an end to the war, according to the report. US officials told the newspaper that Trump is receptive to the idea.

Advisers have warned Trump that an escalation beyond the recent exchanges of attacks between the US and Iran could hurt Republicans in November. Trump, however, has maintained that he is not factoring in the election as he makes decisions on the war.

The consideration of a possible end to the conflict comes amid a shift in Washington's strategy toward Iran. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has emphasized economic pressure over military action in an effort to push Tehran back to the negotiating table. Trump believes sustained pressure could eventually force Iran's government to abandon its nuclear program or collapse, the Journal reported.

Trump recently wrote on social media that he "like[s] our current position much better." He also claimed the US has "almost complete control" of the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran's economy is "totally collapsing." He added that "they are heading toward an inevitable outcome."

It remains unclear whether the war can end anytime soon. Iran has shown no sign of backing down despite US pressure, and the two sides have continued trading attacks over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Talks have not resumed since a temporary peace agreement reached in June fell apart.

Even as Washington weighs ending the war, it has kept its military posture in the Middle East intact. The US has about 50,000 troops, 19 warships, air-defense units and fighter squadrons deployed across the region. Those forces are intercepting Iranian missiles, protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and blockading Iranian ports and coastal areas, while retaining the capacity for a large-scale attack if conditions worsen.

Trump was also briefed last month on additional military options, including expanded airstrikes on Iran and the deployment of ground forces to Iranian islands near the Strait of Hormuz, the report said. A plan to bomb the so-called Pickaxe Mountain facility, which has been cited as a possible site for covert nuclear activity, was also under review.

Trump said on September 2 that he could authorize further strikes if needed. He said the US military was ready to attack again "whenever we want," signaling that even as his administration discusses a possible end to the war, it is keeping military pressure on Iran.