Eight months after start of war, Trump says he will not escalate against Iran
The president told CBS that voters disliked the conflict and rising fuel costs, contributing to his party's loss of the congressional majority.
By Amit Ricci ·
For residents of the United States, the primary change following the recent congressional elections was a shift in political power. The Republican Party lost its majority in Congress, a result that President Donald Trump attributed directly to public dissatisfaction with the ongoing war in Iran and the subsequent rise in gasoline prices.
In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes aired this Sunday, Trump stated that he does not seek to escalate the conflict. He told correspondent Ross Douthat that he sees no reason to expand military operations. This marks his first television appearance since the November 3 elections, which saw a noticeable swing in voter sentiment.
The president acknowledged that voters were unhappy with the war. He noted that there was also a "great disgust" regarding Israel, which launched the offensive alongside the United States. Trump clarified that he is not in disagreement with Vice President JD Vance, who recently claimed on social media that the war was the reason Republicans lost the election.
Despite the political cost, Trump affirmed that he would repeat the decision to strike Iran. He argued that preventing Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon is the priority for the country. "My response is an emphatic yes," he said. He added that while the decision might not be good for the immediate future, he believes it will be viewed positively in historical context.
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters before the interview aired that negotiations with Iran have not been productive. He described Tehran’s demands as unacceptable. These comments followed a call with CNN hours earlier, where Trump said it is highly unlikely that large-scale attacks will resume if progress is made on Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict has entered a stalemate eight months after the initial joint offensive by the United States and Israel. There have been no major military operations recently, yet peace talks have yielded no concrete advances. Iranian forces continue to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining pressure on global trade routes.
The current situation leaves the two nations in a state of suspended hostilities. While the president signals a preference for de-escalation, the underlying issues of the nuclear program and maritime control remain unresolved. The political landscape in Washington has shifted, with the opposition now holding the balance of power in Congress.
