President Donald Trump is reportedly losing patience with the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has now entered its fifth month, and is shifting his focus from diplomatic solutions to military pressure. As the war continues to escalate, concerns are growing within the White House and the Republican Party about the potential negative impact on the upcoming midterm elections in November due to rising U.S. military casualties and economic burdens.
The Wall Street Journal reported on July 23, citing U.S. administration officials and Trump’s close aides, that "President Trump has recently expressed strong anger towards the Iranian leadership."
One senior administration official stated, "The President has entered 'retaliation mode' against Iran," believing that Iran only responds to military pressure and seeing no viable options other than continuing airstrikes.
Initially, Trump expected the conflict with Iran to conclude within weeks, but it has now persisted for five months. In April, he announced a ceasefire and in June, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed to resume navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the lull did not last long.
Trump has recently expressed skepticism about the possibility of negotiations leading to sustainable peace. He has reportedly voiced frustration to his aides over the lack of a clear representative for the Iranian leadership in negotiations and the fact that Iran resumes attacks whenever progress is made.
Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff still believe a deal with Iran is possible. However, other aides emphasize that the likelihood of a peace agreement is low, leaning towards the continuation of military operations.
In recent weeks, the U.S. and Iran have escalated their conflict, exchanging airstrikes and missile and drone attacks. The Iranian-aligned Houthi militia in Yemen attacked two Saudi oil tankers, causing a spike in international oil prices. Trump warned that if Houthi attacks continue, Iran would face "massive military retaliation."
The U.S. is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East with additional troops, fighter jets, medical personnel, and weapons in preparation for potential escalation. However, concerns are being raised that if the conflict drags on, the strain on U.S. ammunition stockpiles and domestic public opinion could increase, especially as Iran maintains its military capabilities despite multiple airstrikes.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated, "The U.S. signed an MOU with Iran, but Iran violated it by attacking commercial vessels and killing U.S. troops. President Trump will ensure that Iran pays a price until they come to the negotiating table in a meaningful way."
As the war continues, political pressures are mounting in the U.S. Energy prices and the cost of living are rising, and with over ten U.S. military personnel killed, some aides are increasingly concerned that the conflict in Iran is damaging Trump's approval ratings and the Republican Party's prospects in the midterm elections.
Trump maintains his stance on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, believing that sustained bombing will break Iran's will to resist.
Republican Congressman Michael McCaul remarked, "It seems that President Trump believes he has given peace a chance, but now he is returning to the original plan of military operations."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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