Donald Trump has told advisers he believes the war with Iran is in its "final stages" and has privately described the conflict as a distraction from domestic priorities, according to a new report.
Nearly a month into the conflict, Trump has urged aides to adhere to a four-to-six-week timeline he has outlined publicly, with the expectation that the war could conclude before a planned mid-May summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
At the same time, he has acknowledged to associates that the war is diverting attention from issues including midterm elections, immigration enforcement and legislative priorities, according to WSJ.
The president has signaled interest in a diplomatic outcome, walking back recent threats to escalate strikes on Iranian infrastructure while maintaining that the U.S. will continue military pressure. "This thing is going to be settled very soon," Trump said on Tuesday, adding that some military leaders were "not interested in settlement" but focused on "winning." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed a harder line, saying, "We negotiate with bombs."
Despite those statements, negotiations appear limited. Iranian officials have denied that talks are underway and have set conditions for any ceasefire, including guarantees against renewed attacks and compensation for damage sustained. Trump has also floated broader outcomes, including potential U.S. influence over the Strait of Hormuz and what he described as a "form of a very serious form of a regime change."
The uncertainty around the war's trajectory comes as public opinion has shifted. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published this week found Trump's approval rating fell to 36%, with 61% of Americans disapproving of the strikes on Iran and only 25% approving of his handling of the cost of living, as fuel prices have risen sharply since the conflict began.
Trump has described the war as an "excursion" and insisted it has already been won, even as U.S. officials warn that ending the conflict will depend on factors beyond Washington's control. With additional troops being deployed to the region and no clear agreement in place, the timeline he has set remains uncertain.
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