WASHINGTON – Despite warnings from advisors to prioritize economic concerns ahead of midterm elections, President Donald Trump has reportedly brought the United States to the brink of conflict with Iran. The escalating tensions raise the stakes for regional stability and could have significant global repercussions.
According to sources, Trump has ordered a substantial military deployment to the Middle East and is preparing for potential air strikes against Iran, a move that could represent the most aggressive action taken against the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution. The White House has not fully explained the rationale behind this potential escalation to the public.
Trump’s focus on Iran has develop into a defining characteristic of his presidency, often overshadowing domestic issues like the cost of living, which public opinion polls indicate are a higher priority for many Americans. This prioritization of foreign policy, including the potential use of military force, has drawn scrutiny as elections approach.
A senior White House official stated that, despite Trump’s strong rhetoric, there isn’t currently “unified support” within the administration for launching an attack on Iran. Advisors are as well reportedly concerned about sending a “distracted message” to undecided voters who are more focused on economic issues.
White House advisors and Republican campaign officials reportedly want Trump to concentrate on the economy, which was identified as the “primary campaign theme” during a private briefing this week with numerous cabinet secretaries. Trump was not present at the briefing.
Another White House official responded to questions by asserting that Trump’s foreign policy agenda “has directly translated into wins for the American people.”
“All of the President’s actions prioritize the United States, whether it’s making the world a safer place or delivering economic results for our country,” the official said. The outcome of the November elections will determine whether Trump’s Republican Party maintains control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress. Losing one or both chambers to the Democratic opposition would present challenges for Trump in the final years of his presidency.
Republican strategist Rob Godfrey warned that a prolonged conflict with Iran would pose a “significant political risk” for Trump and his fellow Republicans.
“The President needs to remember that the political base that propelled him to the Republican nomination – three times in a row – and continues to support him is skeptical of involvement and entanglements abroad, as ending the era of ‘forever wars’ was an explicit campaign promise,” Godfrey stated.
Republicans are planning to campaign on the individual tax cuts enacted by Congress last year, as well as programs aimed at reducing the cost of housing and prescription drugs.
While some dissent exists, many within Trump’s “MAGA” movement, which leans toward isolationism, supported the swift action that led to the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro last month. However, they may encounter greater resistance if Trump leads the U.S. Into a war with Iran, which would be a far more formidable adversary.
Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to attack Iran if it does not reach an agreement regarding its nuclear program, reiterated his warning on Friday, stating that Tehran “better negotiate a fair deal.” The United States attacked Iranian nuclear facilities in June, and Iran has threatened severe retaliation if attacked again.
Trump won reelection in 2024 on his “America First” platform, largely due to his promise to reduce inflation and avoid costly conflicts abroad. However, public opinion polls show he has struggled to convince Americans that he is making progress in lowering high prices.
Despite this, Republican strategist Lauren Cooley argued that Trump’s supporters might support military action against Iran if it is decisive and limited. “The White House will demand to clearly link any action to protecting the safety and economic stability of the United States,” she said.
Even so, with polls showing little public interest in another foreign war and Trump struggling to fully address voters’ economic anxieties, any escalation with Iran is a risky move for a president who recently acknowledged to Reuters that his party could face difficulties in the midterm elections.
Historically, foreign policy has rarely been a decisive issue for voters in midterm elections. But after deploying a significant force of aircraft carriers, warships, and warplanes to the Middle East, Trump could be compelled to take military action unless Iran makes significant concessions, which it has so far shown little willingness to accept. Otherwise, he risks appearing weak internationally.
The reasons Trump has given for a potential attack have been vague and varied. He initially threatened to strike in January in response to the Iranian government’s bloody crackdown on nationwide street protests, but later backed down.
More recently, he has attributed his military threats to demands that Iran end its nuclear program and has raised the idea of “regime change,” but neither he nor his advisors have explained how air strikes could achieve this.
The second White House official insisted that Trump “has been clear that he always prefers diplomacy and that Iran must come to the table before it is too late.” The President, the official added, has also emphasized that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon or the capability to build one, and it cannot enrich uranium.”
This lack of clarity contrasts sharply with the extensive public defense presented by then-President George W. Bush in favor of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, which he said aimed to liberate the country from weapons of mass destruction. Although that mission ultimately relied on flawed intelligence and false claims, Bush’s stated war objectives were clear from the outset.
Godfrey, the Republican strategist, said that independent voters – crucial to deciding the outcome of a close election – will be scrutinizing Trump’s handling of Iran.
“Midterm voters and their base will be expecting the President to make his case,” he said.
Matt Spetalnick, Bo Erickson, Nandita Bose and Tim Reid
