Reuters: Trump Aides Worry Iran War Could Hurt Republicans in US Midterms
Reuters has reported that a number of senior advisers to US President Donald Trump are concerned that continued war with Iran could hurt Republicans in the 3 November midterm elections. According to the report, these advisers are trying to ensure the level of conflict does not escalate before the vote.
Reuters said the main concern inside Trump’s team centres on the economic consequences of the war, including higher gasoline prices and their impact on voters. The report added that 63% of Americans oppose a war against Iran, and Trump’s approval rating has fallen from about 40% at the start of the war to 33%.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is currently focusing on increasing economic pressure and sanctions against Iran rather than expanding military operations. A White House official told Reuters: “We are maintaining pressure on Iran, but November is a priority.”
Reuters also wrote that the US military is facing limitations in weaponry, and some military officials have warned about the effect of a prolonged war on ammunition stockpiles and force readiness. According to the report, continued retaliatory attacks could draw Washington into another response and raise the risk of renewed escalation.
The report said US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among the officials who support keeping tensions low until the November election. However, Trump warned on Tuesday that if Iran responds to recent US attacks, Washington will react more strongly.
US midterm elections are crucial for the makeup of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and are usually seen as a measure of the political standing of the sitting president.
