US considers ending Iran war as costs mount
Intelligence review examines Tehran’s likely response as Trump faces growing domestic pressure over economic and political fallout
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The United States intelligence community is assessing the consequences of a possible unilateral decision by Washington to bring its war with Iran to an end, amid mounting political and economic pressure on the White House.
According to a report by Reuters, the review, requested by the White House is examining how Tehran might respond if President Donald Trump were to declare what officials describe as a unilateral victory and begin a phased military pullback.
Citing two US officials and a person familiar with the discussions, the report said intelligence agencies are analysing both the military and political implications of disengagement from a conflict that is increasingly shaping domestic political calculations in Washington.
The assessment comes as advisers warn that continued military engagement could carry significant political costs for the Republican Party ahead of November’s midterm elections, with rising fuel prices and public concern over the war contributing to voter dissatisfaction.
While no final decision has been taken, officials say Mr Trump is weighing whether to escalate military operations or scale back US involvement. Sources cited by Reuters say a rapid de-escalation could ease domestic political pressure but risk strengthening Iran’s long-term strategic position.
One White House official described internal pressure to end the war as “enormous”, while another said the president is “keenly aware” of the political costs now facing his administration.
US officials say Washington still retains a wide range of military options, although more extreme scenarios, including a ground invasion are now considered significantly less likely than earlier in the conflict.
The intelligence review is also examining the longer-term consequences of any withdrawal, including the possibility that Iran could rebuild elements of its nuclear and missile programmes if pressure is reduced.
During a ceasefire that began on 8 April, Iran is reported to have recovered significant quantities of military equipment, including drones and missile launchers, from sites damaged in earlier US and Israeli strikes.
Analysts cited by Reuters say this recovery could raise the cost and complexity of any renewed large-scale military operation, making escalation more difficult and potentially more costly than at the start of the truce.
The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment on the reported assessment, saying its public affairs office was not familiar with the review described.
The office of Tulsi Gabbard also declined to comment.
The war between the United States and Iran has become a defining issue for the Trump administration, increasingly shaped by developments on the battlefield and mounting domestic political pressure.
While Washington continues to publicly insist it retains strategic momentum, internal discussions reflect growing uncertainty over how long the conflict can be sustained without wider political and economic consequences.
Analysts say Iran has focused on absorbing pressure, rebuilding capabilities during pauses in fighting, and maintaining diplomatic engagement to preserve leverage.
As both sides reassess their positions, the intelligence review underscores a central question now facing Washington: whether the costs of continuing the war are beginning to outweigh its strategic objectives.
With additional information from MNTV
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