Trump's advisers battle over direction of war with Iran

There is intense debate in the White House over how US President Donald Trump should proceed in the war with Iran and, in particular, how to emerge from it politically. According to Reuters sources, various factions among his advisers are trying to influence the president’s public statements and the overall strategy for the conflict, which has become the largest US military operation since the Iraq war in 2003.

Economic advisers from the Treasury Department and the National Economic Council warn that disruption to the oil market and rising petrol prices could quickly weaken domestic support for the war.

Political strategists, including chief of staff Susie Wiles, are therefore advising the president to present the conflict as a limited operation whose main objectives have already been almost achieved.

On the other side are hawkish voices from the Republican camp, such as senators Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton. They argue that the US must continue to pressure Tehran to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to respond to attacks against US forces and shipping.

The situation is further complicated by pressure from Trump’s populist base, where figures such as Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson warn against another long war in the Middle East.

According to his advisers, Trump is sending mixed signals. He wants to calm the markets with talk of a short operation, reassure the hawks with the continuation of the war, and placate his base by limiting escalation.

(reuters, pir)