Srinagar – Five months into the grinding war with Iran, US President Donald Trump is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated, isolated and convinced that military force—not diplomacy—is the only way forward, even as the conflict threatens to damage his presidency, strain key alliances and undermine Republican prospects in next year’s midterm elections.
According to a Wall Street Journal report published Thursday, Trump has become deeply skeptical that the conflict can be resolved through negotiations and now believes Tehran understands only the language of force.
A senior administration official described the president as being in “revenge mode” against Iran, leaving him with little appetite for diplomacy and few options beyond intensifying military operations.
Peace Looks Distant
With no ceasefire in sight and the war entering its fifth month, the United States is deploying additional troops, warplanes and military assets to the Middle East as Trump weighs further escalation despite growing concerns over mounting costs and declining public support.
Administration officials told the Journal that the prolonged conflict is increasingly weighing on the White House.
Senior advisers fear the war is pushing up energy prices, fueling inflation and steadily eroding Trump’s approval ratings, potentially hurting Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.
Despite those concerns, Trump has reportedly remained focused on bringing gasoline prices down, believing cheaper fuel could soften the political fallout from the conflict.
Cracks in Trump-Netanyahu Relationship
The war has also reportedly strained Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to senior administration officials, Trump has become reluctant to speak with or meet the Israeli leader as differences emerge over the direction and duration of the military campaign.
The apparent cooling of ties marks a notable shift after months of close coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv.
Assassination Threat
The conflict has also become personal for Trump.
People familiar with the matter said US intelligence agencies warned the president and several senior advisers of possible Iranian assassination threats.
Officials were reportedly advised to avoid ride-sharing services and limit unnecessary travel because of heightened security risks.
While attending the NATO summit in Türkiye, Trump was briefed on Israeli intelligence alleging an Iranian plot to assassinate him.
Although US intelligence officials reportedly questioned the credibility of the information, the briefing was serious enough to persuade Trump to abandon plans to fly aboard the newer Air Force One gifted by Qatar and instead return to Washington on the older presidential aircraft.
Furious Over Leak
Trump was reportedly enraged after The New York Times revealed the reason behind the aircraft switch.
According to people familiar with the matter, the president viewed the disclosure as a major national security breach and immediately ordered efforts to identify the source of the leak.
The report says the episode added to Trump’s growing frustration as the conflict drags on with no clear exit strategy.
Military Pressure Intensifies
Even as diplomatic efforts remain stalled, the United States continues reinforcing its military presence across the Middle East.
Officials say Trump remains convinced that sustained military pressure is the only effective way to force Iran to change course.
The White House, however, faces an increasingly difficult balancing act—maintaining military pressure abroad while containing political and economic fallout at home.
With fuel prices rising, voter anxiety increasing and election season approaching, the Iran war is rapidly becoming one of the defining tests of Trump’s second presidency.
For now, according to those close to him, Trump sees little room for compromise and appears prepared to continue the campaign despite mounting domestic and international pressure.
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