Top White House advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have privately warned President Donald Trump that the conflict with Iran could extend through the remainder of his presidency, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing US officials.
The White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The advisers told Trump in private discussions in the Oval Office and the Situation Room that Tehran could continue to resist US pressure, potentially prolonging the conflict beyond Inauguration Day in January 2029, the WSJ added.
Trump says he expects war to end 'immediately after' US midterm elections
The reported warning contrasts with Trump's own public remarks about the war. The president said on Wednesday he expected the war to end "immediately after" the US midterm elections in November, arguing that Iran was trying to influence the vote but would be unable to sustain its resistance much longer.
Speaking to reporters before departing for Dallas, Trump was asked about the continued conflict with Iran and the sharp rise in oil prices.
“I think the war will end immediately after the election,” Trump said. “I think the war will end immediately after the election because they can’t hold out any longer.”
Trump’s remarks came as oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel amid renewed US-Iran military action. He acknowledged that Americans are paying higher prices but again framed the conflict around preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Idan Kweller contributed to this report.