Trump May Declare an End to Iran War, Even as Pentagon Prepares for Another Year of Troop Deployment: Report
President Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating bringing the war with Iran to a close amid economic strain and ongoing military challenges.
Trump is privately considering declaring the Iran war over, while believing continued economic pressure could force Tehran to dismantle its nuclear program or lead to the regime’s collapse, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. Despite warnings from his aides about potential political repercussions from escalating the war, Trump has stated that electoral consequences are not swaying his decisions.
However, the U.S. military continues to have a presence of 50,000 troops in the region, prepared to launch larger offensive attacks if necessary and give Trump options. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who initially promised a swift resolution to the conflict, is now discreetly extending troop deployments. The Pentagon could keep elements of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division deployed in the Middle East into 2027, reported the WSJ, citing a letter to military families.
The continuous deployment of 19 warships, air-defense units, fighter squadrons, and paratroopers across the region is causing strain on service members and their families and creating a maintenance backlog that could take years to resolve, experts told the publication.
White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
Iran Strikes Kuwait as Tensions Rise
On Thursday, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Kuwait, a day after Trump stated that renewed hostilities in the Middle East would not last “too long.”
"I don’t think it will [war] be very much longer … I don’t know how much more they [Iran] can take," Trump told reporters on Wednesday.
Trump. however, added that the U.S. military remains ready to launch additional strikes against Iran "any time we want.” He also claimed the U.S. has extensive visibility into Iran’s activities, underscoring Washington’s heightened surveillance and readiness for further action.
Trump has reportedly approved a "tanker for tanker" policy against Iran, with U.S. forces striking two Iranian government oil tankers amid escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. also reportedly struck about 100 targets, while Iran condemned the attacks and vowed a firm response.
Reuters reported that senior Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are pushing to keep the Iran war from escalating ahead of the November midterm elections, amid concerns the increasingly unpopular conflict could hurt Republicans at the polls.
Iran Signals Openness to Peace Talks Amid Economic Strain
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged that U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade are worsening the country’s economic problems, with trade falling an estimated 25%-35%. Fuel imports have been disrupted, causing shortages and long gas-station queues despite Iran’s status as a major oil producer. Pezeshkian cited inflation, unemployment and trade restrictions, warning that sanctions are clearly having an impact on Iran’s economy.
Pezeshkian said Tehran is ready to “immediately reciprocate” if the U.S. honors its commitments under the June interim agreement. The Iranian President said Iran remains open to restoring the deal and pursuing peace.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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