War Lingering, Pentagon Extends Mideast Troop Deployments Into '27

“Trump administration seems to excel at bombing schools and weddings,” Brian Finucane, senior adviser to the US Program at the International Crisis Group, wrote on Wednesday.“Winning the illegal and unnecessary war with Iran – not so much.”

Hegseth has reportedly backed a plan that would involve“periodic” bombings of Iran in an attempt to keep ship traffic flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategy that analysts say would lead to a“permanent state of war.”

Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, argued earlier this week that Trump appeared to be leaning toward“maintaining a low-level conflict until the midterms – neither securing a diplomatic deal nor allowing the situation to deteriorate into full-scale war.”

“Iranian officials say, both publicly and privately, that they expect the US and Israel to resume the war after the midterms regardless of the impact of the D-Day sanctions,” Parsi wrote.“Regional diplomats have largely reached the same conclusion. If sanctions weaken Iran over time while the global economy recovers and adjusts to the new reality in the Strait, a prolonged pause will work against Tehran. Iran may therefore decide to escalate dramatically, taking full advantage of Trump's perceived vulnerability in the run-up to the elections.”

Thousands of Iranians-including hundreds of children – and at least 18 US servicemembers have been killed during the war so far, and the conflict has cost the average American household $1,200 in extra costs as gas prices remain at record levels. Trump has said he doesn't“think about Americans' financial situation” when he makes decisions pertaining to the Iran war.