White House tensions rise over strategy and messaging on Iran conflict
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Nearly a month after the start of US strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump is sending thousands of troops to the Middle East while claiming he has "already won" the war. This contradiction is causing frustration among senior White House officials and allies, according to MS NOW.
'He just wants to declare victory and move on'
As a senior White House official told MS NOW on condition of anonymity, Donald Trump’s claims that the war with Iran is "already won" are "mostly hyperbole." According to the official, the president "just wants to declare victory and move on."
The source added that this desire has intensified in recent days. "Not that he regrets it or something — he’s just bored and wants to move on," the official said.
Another administration representative confirmed that the president has begun to "move on" from the conflict, redirecting his focus to the economy, domestic issues, and the upcoming midterm elections.
Split within the team
Sources interviewed by MS NOW describe a clear "divide" within the White House over how to communicate a war that is dragging on. Some advisors support the lighthearted tone used by the administration — supplementing footage of strikes with clips from cartoons, movies, or trending music — while others consider it inappropriate.
All officials interviewed said they do not dare to openly express their views within the administration for fear of negative consequences.
"So many people are afraid of being on the outs that they are just drinking the Kool-Aid and going along with it," a former White House official said.
Against the backdrop of escalation in the region, Bloomberg warns that oil prices could surge to record levels due to threats to supply from the Persian Gulf. Particular concern centers on Kharg Island, through which about 90% of Iran’s oil exports pass. According to Reuters, US troops could face significant danger there, as Iranian forces are actively preparing to defend the island.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports that the US may send an additional 10,000 troops to the Middle East — significantly more than the earlier figures cited by the Pentagon.
