The risk of renewed war between the United States and Iran remains high, with the US military preparing for a possible major attack while diplomatic efforts continue to prevent another escalation.
President Donald Trump is weighing whether to resume military strikes, pursue an agreement with Tehran or maintain economic pressure following Republicans’ sweeping losses in the midterm elections, according to a report by American news outlet Axios.
According to Axios, US military preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations against Iran have entered their final stages, with additional military equipment and assets being deployed to the region.
Despite the preparations, Trump has not made a final decision on his next move. The report said even some of his close advisers remain uncertain about whether he will choose military action, diplomacy or continued economic pressure.
Trump acknowledged that the Iran war contributed to the Republican Party’s midterm election defeat, but the electoral setback has not ruled out further military action. The possibility of a tougher response remains, even as concerns grow over the domestic political cost of another conflict.
At one point, Trump had considered attacking Iran before the midterm elections, following pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Axios reported.
Vance urges Trump to pursue deal with Iran
US Vice President JD Vance has emerged as a leading voice within Trump’s inner circle advocating an agreement with Tehran rather than a return to military operations.
According to Axios, Vance has warned Trump that a war with Iran is deeply unpopular among the American public and could carry serious political consequences for Republicans.
Vance has also privately criticised Netanyahu’s assessment of Iran, reportedly arguing that the Israeli prime minister had been wrong on every count regarding the issue.
Most of Trump’s senior advisers reportedly share Vance’s preference for ending the conflict through negotiations. However, Trump continues to weigh the possibility of launching another attack.
Qatar pushes for agreement to prevent renewed conflict
While the US military prepares for a possible escalation, Qatari mediators are working to secure the support of Washington and Tehran for a draft agreement aimed at preventing renewed fighting.
The proposed arrangement could also pave the way for the resumption of direct negotiations between the two countries in the coming days.
The diplomatic initiative comes as Trump considers three broad options: restarting military strikes, reaching a negotiated settlement or continuing the economic pressure campaign against Iran.
According to Axios, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other advisers favour maintaining the US naval blockade and economic pressure to increase pressure on Tehran.
Iran celebrates Republican election defeat
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei described the Republican Party’s midterm losses as a political victory for Tehran.
“The Iranian nation handed Trump a strategic defeat on the battlefield and in the Hormuz — and a POLITICAL DEFEAT in Washington,” Rezaei wrote on X.
Diplomats involved in mediation efforts, Trump advisers and Middle East experts told Axios that Iran’s reaction could increase the likelihood of Trump returning to military action.
The comments have added another complication to diplomatic efforts, as Washington weighs Tehran’s position alongside the possibility of renewed confrontation.
Trump says he’d launch war again
Trump said on Wednesday that the war had contributed to higher gasoline prices in the United States but defended his decision to launch military action against Iran.
He insisted he would make the same decision again if necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Asked when the conflict would end, Trump replied: “Whenever I wanted to. But it’s got to be done right, because they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
His remarks underline the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of the conflict, as military preparations continue and diplomatic efforts seek to prevent another round of fighting.
