Trump Aides Seek Calm in Iran War Till After Midterms — SkimNews
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- Trump aides are pushing to keep the Iran war contained before the November 3 midterm elections to limit Republican electoral losses, according to four people familiar with internal discussions.
- U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets including Larak Island and the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for attacks on American forces and marine traffic, killing military personnel and civilians in Iran.
- Iran responded to U.S. strikes by firing missiles toward Jordan and the UAE, maintaining a pattern of tit-for-tat attacks despite months of economic isolation and military setbacks.
- White House officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, support a 'quiet' approach until after the midterms, favoring intensified economic pressure over kinetic escalation.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the economic campaign against Iran could provoke further military retaliation, undermining efforts to stabilize the conflict zone.
- Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 31% of Americans approve of the war, with 63% disapproving, driven largely by voter dissatisfaction over high gas prices linked to the conflict.
Why it matters: With Republicans defending thin majorities in Congress and only 31% public approval for the war, delaying escalation until after November gives the administration political breathing room — but risks a larger conflict later as munitions dwindle and Iran shows no sign of conceding under economic strain.
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