Reuters: White House at odds over potential war with Iran, Trump's statements fluctuate

The White House is divided into three factions on the issue of the Middle East conflict:

One faction hopes that Trump will quickly announce the end of the operation;

Another faction demands that the president increase pressure on Iran;

A third faction advocates avoiding the United States being drawn into a prolonged war.

The internal struggle within the White House has led to Trump's fluctuating statements, with his aides having serious disagreements on how and when to declare "victory." Reuters reported, citing officials and advisors from the Trump administration.

First faction: Advocates for an early end to the operation

Trump's political advisors, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and her deputy James Blair, are concerned about the political consequences of rising gasoline prices after the Middle East war, and have urged the president to clearly define what constitutes a "victory" over Iran, so that the operation can be declared limited and about to end.

Economic advisors and U.S. Treasury officials share the same stance. They warned Trump that a petroleum crisis would weaken domestic support for the war.

Second faction: Advocates for strong pressure

There are also hardliners within the White House. Republican lawmakers Lindsay Graham, Tom Cotton, and commentator Mark Levin have called on Trump to continue applying military pressure on Iran.

They believe that the United States must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and respond firmly to attacks on U.S. military personnel and aircraft.

Third faction: Populist group, opposes getting involved in a prolonged war

According to Reuters, the third force is Trump's populist base, demanding that the United States avoid another long-term conflict in the Middle East.

Representatives include host Tucker Carlson and conservative figure Stephen Bannon.

White House response: Denies internal conflict

White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt denied Reuters' report, stating that the information was based on rumors and speculation from anonymous individuals who "did not even participate in any discussions with President Trump."

She said, "The president is good at listening to multiple opinions, but everyone knows that the final decision is made by himself."

Trump's statements repeatedly fluctuate

- On the day after the U.S.-Israel military action against Iran began, Trump said the conflict could last four weeks;

- Only one day later, he changed his statement, saying the operation would last "as long as necessary";

- On March 12, Trump directly announced that he had already defeated Iran, claiming that he inflicted heavy damage on Iran within the first hour of the war, but at the same time stated, "even if victorious, the war will continue."

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859541770402880/

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