'Wall Street Journal': Trump's advisers warn of the possibility of an ongoing Iran war until the end of his term

The Wall Street Journal revealed that senior White House advisers raised, in private discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, the possibility of continuing the war with Iran through the end of his term, and possibly beyond the inauguration of the next president in January 2029.

The newspaper cited U.S. officials saying that Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other officials discussed with Trump, inside the Oval Office and the Situation Room, the possibility that Tehran would continue to resist U.S. pressure amid sanctions and other military tactics, potentially prolonging the conflict.

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The newspaper noted that these assessments, discussed behind closed doors, contradict Trump’s public assurances that the war is nearing its end.

Trump said on Wednesday that he expects the war to end “shortly after” the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November, arguing that Iran is trying to influence the elections but will not be able to sustain its resistance for much longer.

Trump also acknowledged that diplomatic talks with Iran remain a possibility, but indicated that they are not the preferred option at present.

The report reflects a divergence between the assessments of some senior U.S. administration officials regarding the likelihood of a prolonged conflict and Trump’s public statements, which suggest he anticipates a sooner end to the war.