Washington, United States. Some of President Donald Trump’s advisers are privately urging him to publicly present a plan to exit the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing anonymous sources familiar with the discussions. The White House denied the report and said the operation’s end would be determined by the head of the armed forces.
Advisers’ reported recommendations and stated objectives
The Wall Street Journal reported that advisers suggested Trump should publicly state that the main military objectives of the operation have largely been achieved. The newspaper said these objectives included the destruction of Iran’s missile program and its navy, the termination of Iranian support for regional armed groups, and the prevention of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
White House denial and official response
White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt called the report “nonsense” and said the anonymous sources were not in the room with Trump. Leavitt said Trump’s top advisers are working to ensure that Operation Epic Fury continues to be a “huge success,” adding that the end of operations would ultimately be determined by the head of the armed forces.
Leavitt also said the majority of Americans support ending the threat posed by the Iranian regime and eliminating terrorists, and that this is what Trump aims to achieve.
Political concerns and messaging strategy
Some advisers have warned Trump that a prolonged war could diminish his political support, even as Republicans currently back the strikes on Iran, according to the report. The Wall Street Journal said concerns increased after advisers received calls from Republicans worried about the war’s impact on the upcoming midterm elections.
The report said some in Trump’s team believe a more aggressive communication strategy is needed to frame the conflict positively to the public, particularly amid rising fuel prices.
Public opinion and prospects for ending the conflict
Polls indicate that a small majority of Americans oppose the war, with views varying significantly by party affiliation.
Government officials told the Wall Street Journal that the conflict is unlikely to end as long as Iran continues to target countries in the region and Israel continues to strike Iranian targets. A senior U.S. official cited by the newspaper said Trump is not expected to halt operations until he can present an outcome he considers a clear victory, particularly while the United States retains a military advantage.
The Wall Street Journal also cited sources familiar with Trump’s thinking as saying he is surprised Iran has not backed down despite continued American and Israeli strikes.
How do you think public opinion could affect the administration’s approach to the conflict with Iran?