President Donald Trump's team is starting to panic.
The Daily Beast reported on Tuesday that his war against Iran could turn into a long and drawn-out quagmire that economically trashes the United States and pulls down the president politically. It could ultimately be such a huge miscalculation that the rest of his administration is marred by the war for the remainder of his term.
In a leaked comment to Axios, one Trump advisor said that Trump told them, "All [Iran's leaders] understand is bombs."
The advisor said that Trump was "frustrated but realistic. He doesn’t want to use force. But he’s not backing down.”
The problem is that aides fear Trump is approaching a Cold War-like scenario where he can't score a deal but instead remains in a paused conflict with Iran. Such a stalemate could leave U.S. troops stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, blockading cargo ships with desperately needed goods and oil tankers from delivering affordable fuel.
"Both sides want to see who caves first," the Beast said.
Meanwhile, gas prices could continue to spike as the November election draws closer and closer.
“A frozen conflict is the worst thing for Trump politically and economically,” a source told Axios.
Trump's "red line" is that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. But peace talks with Trump's son-in-law and Middle East envoy aren't working.
So, Trump is waiting to see whether Iran will eventually agree to negotiate and end its nuclear program or continue striking Iran.
On Monday, Trump met with his national security team. According to one official who spoke to The New York Times, taking a deal from Iran that doesn't include denuclearization would prevent a "victory" for Trump.
“The United States will not negotiate through the press — we have been clear about our red lines and the president will only make a deal that’s good for the American people and the world,” White House spokesperson Olivia Wales told the Times when asked for comment.
