Trump Hints at 'Early End to War'...Aides Advise 'Exit Strategy'

With US Opposition to War Growing
and International Oil Surpassing $100,
Political Burden Rises Ahead of Midterm Elections

Donald Trump, President of the United States, is shaking hands with citizens at a Venezuelan restaurant located in Doral, Miami, Florida, on the 9th (local time). Photo by AP Yonhap News

It has been reported that US President Donald Trump’s statement on the 9th (local time) that the war with Iran “will end soon” was influenced by his aides' advice, who were concerned about the political burden of a prolonged conflict. Negative public opinion toward the war is strong within the United States, and as international oil prices have breached the psychological threshold of $100, voices within the White House have also been calling for an “exit strategy.”

"Very soon," but no specific timeline mentioned

According to reports by the New York Times (NYT) and Axios, President Trump spoke with reporters at his golf club in Florida that day. When asked if the war with Iran would end this week, he replied, “No,” but added, “Soon, very soon.” While he said that the military operations had generally achieved their objectives, he did not specify when the war would end. This was President Trump’s first official press conference since the US and Israel began airstrikes against Iran on the 28th of last month.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources familiar with the matter, reported on this day that some aides had recently advised President Trump that the United States should propose an exit strategy and emphasize that military operations had already achieved most of their goals. The sources explained that even the conservative base, which supports US military actions, could withdraw their support if the war drags on.

It was also reported that President Trump had been briefed on the results of some opinion polls regarding the war. In a recently released poll, a majority of Americans expressed opposition to the war. According to a survey conducted by CNN and polling firm SSRS of 1,004 US adults from the 28th of last month to the 1st of this month, about 60% of respondents said they opposed the decision to take military action against Iran.

Brent crude oil futures prices approached $120 but then retreated to the low $90s following President Trump's remarks on the possibility of an early end to the conflict and optimism about the Group of Seven (G7) discussing the release of strategic reserves.

Adding fuel to the fire are the surging international oil prices. Some aides have been watching with concern as the prices of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude oil futures exceeded $100 per barrel. According to the WSJ, these aides have also received calls from some Republican lawmakers expressing concerns about the upcoming midterm elections.

Stephen Moore, President Trump’s external economic adviser, stated, “When gas and oil prices rise, all prices go up together,” adding, “This could pose a serious challenge given that the cost of living is already high.” Moore is the architect of President Trump’s economic policy, widely known as “Trumponomics.”

The biggest obstacle to peace: Iran-Israel clashes

However, there are many variables. According to the WSJ, some officials in the Trump administration believe that as long as Iran continues to attack Middle Eastern countries and Israel persists in its strikes against Iran, it will be difficult for the United States to easily disengage from the war.

President Trump also maintains that if Iran continues to interfere with oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will continue military action. In response to President Trump’s remarks about the possibility of an early end to the conflict, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that “not even a single liter of oil will be allowed for export if the attacks continue.” President Trump immediately hinted at even stronger retaliatory measures.

On the same day, President Trump warned on the social media platform Truth Social, “If Iran blocks oil supplies in the Strait of Hormuz, the response will be 20 times stronger than what they have faced so far.” He added, “We will eliminate easily destructible targets,” and emphasized, “Iran’s national reconstruction will become virtually impossible.” He further stated, “This is a gift from the United States to China and all countries that use the Strait of Hormuz.”

A senior administration official told the WSJ that President Trump will not halt combat until he can declare a victory that satisfies him, explaining that the United States currently holds a military advantage.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “This article, which relies on anonymous sources, is inaccurate. The President’s aides are focused 24 hours a day on the successful execution of operations, and the timing of the conclusion will ultimately be decided by the Commander in Chief.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.