Trump launched the conflict as an effort to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among the advisers who reportedly raised the possibility during private discussions with Trump in the Oval Office and Situation Room. Senior White House officials have privately warned US President Donald Trump that the war with Iran could continue for the rest of his presidency, despite his public prediction that the conflict will end soon after this year’s midterm elections, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.
The first US strikes were carried out on February 28 as part of Operation Epic Fury, in coordination with Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump launched the conflict as an effort to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said he expected the war to end “immediately after” the US midterm elections in November. Trump has also indicated that diplomatic talks remain possible, although he has said negotiations are not his preferred option. The opening strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the material provided.
Trump has publicly offered a much shorter timeline for the conflict. He argued that Iran was attempting to influence the election but would not be able to maintain its resistance for much longer.
The officials told Trump that Iran could continue resisting US pressure, potentially keeping the conflict going until after the next US presidential inauguration in January 2029, according to the report.