Trump says he will not expand war with Iran after GOP losses
The president cites gas prices and voter sentiment as reasons for his restraint, while State Secretary Marco Rubio calls peace talks unproductive.
By Arjun Weber ·
Voters in the United States face a continuing stalemate in the Middle East, with President Donald Trump stating on Sunday that he does not intend to increase military operations against Iran. This position comes after his party lost its majority in Congress, a result Trump attributed largely to public dissatisfaction with the conflict and rising fuel costs.
In an interview with CBS aired on Sunday, Trump told correspondent Ross Douthat that there is no reason to escalate the war. He acknowledged that voters disliked the conflict and the increase in gasoline prices. Trump also noted a substantial level of discontent regarding Israel, the partner that launched the offensive alongside the United States.
The president maintained his alignment with Vice President JD Vance, who suggested on social media that the war was the primary cause of the Republican defeat. Trump said he was not in disagreement with Vance’s assessment. He affirmed that if he had to make the same decision again, he would, citing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Trump described the decision as historically sound, even if it is not immediately popular. He stated that he must do what is best for the country, despite the current political climate. His comments marked his first televised interview since the recent elections.
Diplomatic efforts have stalled in the meantime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the press shortly before the interview that negotiations with Iran have not been productive. He described Tehran’s demands as unacceptable, indicating a gap in positions between the two sides.
Hours earlier, Trump told CNN that large scale attacks are unlikely if negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz make progress. The conflict has been ongoing for eight months since the joint US and Israeli offensive began.
The war remains at a standstill, with no major military operations or breakthroughs in peace talks. Iran continues to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz, keeping the strategic waterway under pressure while both sides await further diplomatic developments.
