The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that some advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump have privately urged him to consider developing a plan to exit the war with Iran, fearing that a prolonged conflict could trigger negative political reactions within the United States.
The newspaper, citing people familiar with the matter, said that several of Trump’s advisers in recent days encouraged him to formulate a plan to withdraw the United States from the war, while presenting the situation as though the U.S. military had largely achieved its objectives.
According to the sources, many of Trump’s supporters within the conservative base still back the military operation in its early phase. However, some of his advisers have privately expressed concerns that continued fighting could erode that support.
The newspaper added that Trump has reviewed the results of several opinion polls related to the war, which indicated that a majority of Americans oppose it.
Sources also stated that some of the president’s advisers have been closely monitoring the rise in oil prices, which have surpassed 100 dollars per barrel. In addition, they reportedly received calls from several Republicans concerned about the war’s potential impact on the upcoming midterm elections.
According to the report, Trump’s team concluded in recent days that a more effective communication strategy is necessary in order to convince the public of the importance of the war, particularly as many consumers are struggling with rising gasoline prices.
In contrast, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt denied the report, saying: “This story is full of nonsense from anonymous sources. I can assure you they are not present with President Trump.”
She added that the president’s senior aides are working around the clock to ensure the continued success of the operation known as “Epic Fury,” stressing that the commander in chief will ultimately determine when these operations will end.
On the other hand, the newspaper cited some officials in the Trump administration as saying that as long as Tehran continues to attack countries in the region, and as long as the occupying state insists on striking Iranian targets, it will be unlikely for the United States to withdraw easily from the war.
A senior U.S. administration official told the newspaper that Trump will not stop fighting until he achieves what he considers a satisfactory victory, especially given what Washington views as its military superiority.
The newspaper also quoted sources familiar with Trump’s thinking as saying that he has at times been surprised by Tehran’s refusal to surrender despite the ongoing joint American Israeli war against it.
