Trump Advisers Warn Iran War Could Last Through 2029: WSJ

WASHINGTON, Sep 10: Senior advisers to US President Donald Trump have privately warned him that the conflict with Iran could continue through the end of his presidential term in January 2029, in a sharp contrast to his public prediction that the war could end shortly after the November midterm elections, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials have discussed with Trump the possibility that Tehran could continue resisting US military and economic pressure, including a naval blockade and sanctions, according to US officials cited by the Journal.

The private discussions reportedly included the possibility that the conflict could extend beyond Inauguration Day in January 2029, when Trump’s current term ends. Reuters independently reported the WSJ account.

The assessment contrasts with Trump's public remarks on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters before traveling to Dallas, Trump said he expected the conflict to end “immediately” after the November midterm elections, arguing that Iran could not continue to withstand US pressure.

A prolonged conflict could place additional pressure on US military resources and contribute to sustained disruption in global energy markets, according to the WSJ report. Oil prices have already risen sharply amid the conflict and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

The Journal also reported that some US military deployments in the Middle East have been extended into 2027, while air-defense units are expected to remain in the region without a fixed withdrawal date.

Trump has increasingly backed a longer-term campaign of economic and military pressure against Tehran, including sanctions and a naval blockade, with the stated objective of forcing Iran to dismantle its nuclear program.

The conflicting assessments highlight the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the US-Iran confrontation. While Trump is publicly predicting an end after the midterms, his senior advisers are reportedly preparing for the possibility of a conflict lasting considerably longer — potentially through 2029.