Some advisers to US President Donald Trump are urging him to prepare a clear plan to end the ongoing war with Iran. The discussions are happening as oil prices rise and political pressure grows in the United States.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, several advisers believe the US should start explaining how it plans to leave the conflict while presenting the military operation as successful.
They believe the US military has already achieved many of its main goals and that a long war could create new risks.
Rising Oil Prices Raise Concerns
One of the biggest concerns for the administration is the increase in oil prices since the war began.
Oil prices recently crossed $100 per barrel, which could lead to higher fuel prices and increase the cost of everyday goods.
Stephen Moore, an economic adviser to Trump, warned that rising energy prices can affect many parts of the economy.
“When the price of gas and oil rise, so does everything else. Given affordability was already an issue, this leads to real challenges,” Moore told The Wall Street Journal.
Higher fuel prices can increase transport costs and make daily life more expensive for many families.
Advisers Suggest Clear War Exit Strategy
Some advisers have suggested that the president should explain how the US plans to leave the war.
They believe the administration could say that the military operation has already achieved most of its objectives.
This could help the government present the mission as a success and avoid the risks of a long conflict.
While many supporters of Trump first backed the military action against Iran, some advisers now worry that support could fall if the war continues for too long.
Political Pressure Before Elections
The conflict has also created political concerns in Washington.
Some Republican lawmakers are worried about how the war and rising fuel prices could affect voters before the upcoming midterm elections.
Reports say Trump has also been briefed on recent public opinion surveys about the war. Many of these polls suggest that a large number of Americans oppose the conflict.
However, White House officials say many Americans still support action against Iran.
Karoline Leavitt said the administration believes the public supports efforts to remove threats from the Iranian government.
Trump Says War Could End Soon
President Trump has suggested that the conflict might not last long.
Speaking to reporters in Florida, he said the US military campaign has made strong progress.
“We’re way ahead of schedule,” Trump said. He also added that the conflict could end “very soon.”
At the same time, Trump warned that the United States could take stronger action if Iran tries to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil transport.
Fighting Continues in the Middle East
Even as talks about a possible war exit plan continue in Washington, fighting in the Middle East has intensified.
Several explosions were reported in Tehran, during what was described as one of the heaviest air raids on the Iranian capital since the war began on February 28.
Israel said it carried out a large wave of strikes targeting Iranian locations in Tehran, the city of Isfahan, and other areas in southern Iran.
Iran and its allies have also launched attacks. Israel has repeatedly warned its citizens about incoming missiles from Iran, while Iran-backed Hezbollah has fired rockets into Israel from Lebanon.
The conflict has also affected shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Attacks and security threats in the area have disrupted tanker traffic and caused changes in global oil prices.
Iran Says It Is Ready for Long War
Iranian officials have signaled that they are prepared for a longer conflict.
Ali Mohammad Naini, a spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, said Iran will decide when the war ends.
“Iran will determine when the war ends,” he said in comments reported by Iranian state media.
The war is also taking place during a leadership change in Iran. Mojtaba Khamenei recently became the country’s new Supreme Leader after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He now has final authority over major policies, including Iran’s nuclear program.
Iranian officials have also said there is currently little room for diplomacy unless the attacks by the United States and Israel stop.
Casualties Continue to Rise
The war has already caused heavy losses across the region.
Reports say more than 1,200 people have died in Iran, while hundreds have been killed in Lebanon and several in Israel. The conflict has also led to the deaths of seven US service members.
As fighting continues, discussions in Washington about how and when the United States should end its involvement are expected to grow stronger.
Erin Blanchard graduated from Queens University with a BA in Arts. Erin grew up in Ottawa, but moved to Kingston for her studies. Erin has written for several major publications including the CBC and the Toronto Star. Erin is a community reporter and also covers stories important health developments important to Canadians..
