Trump Faces Internal Push as Advisers Urge Exit from Iran War
Key Takeaways
- Several Trump advisers privately urge exit strategy, declare victory, end Iran war.
- Oil price surge fuels concerns about political backlash and duration of conflict.
- Trump says operation ahead of schedule; could be over very soon.
White House Divisions
David Sacks urged ending the conflict and reaching an agreement with Tehran, contradicting Trump.
“The United States has spent $12bn on its war against Iran since launching joint strikes on the country with Israel on February 28, Trump’s top economic adviser said, as domestic concerns grow over the Middle East conflict’s burgeoning economic impacts”
Political advisers pushed to narrow the definition of victory while hawkish members pressed for continued attacks.
Some sources estimated the war could last at least three more weeks.
Economic Costs Mount
The US had spent $12bn on the conflict just two weeks in.
Markets remained jittery after Iranian threats to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Atlantic Council warned the campaign was a high-risk gamble with unclear objectives.
Polling and Public Opinion
The Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 27% of Americans approved of the strikes.
The Pentagon confirmed seven Americans killed since the war started.
Trump continued to proclaim victory despite contradictory economic realities.
Assassination of Khamenei
The joint US-Israeli operation assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top Iranian ministers.
Israel bombed the Hafte Tir mosque in Tehran, killing an estimated 540 people.
Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel and declared the Strait of Hormuz closed.
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