White House internally acknowledges Iran war may last until end of president's term, but Trump insists on November as wartime deadline

BlockBeats news, September 10 — According to U.S. officials, Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, and other core aides have discussed with Trump in the Oval Office and the Situation Room a possibility: even if the United States maintains its blockade and continues military operations, Tehran may still choose to resist, allowing the conflict to persist beyond January 2029, when Trump's term ends. This assessment differs markedly from Trump's public statement on Wednesday, in which he insisted the war would end "immediately" after the November midterm elections because Iran "can't take it anymore."

The conflict has now entered its seventh month, with 18 service members killed. Vance signaled last week that the conflict could be prolonged, saying he was unsure when hostilities would end and refusing to give an "artificial timeline" that Iran could exploit. Signs of preparation for a long war are increasing. Treasury Secretary Bessent has called the maritime blockade and sanctions strategy "Operation Economic Pariah," positioning it as an alternative to large-scale military operations. Defense Secretary Hegseth has extended some Middle East troop deployments through 2027, the Pentagon plans to extend air defense deployments with no set withdrawal date, and a third Marine Expeditionary Unit is preparing to head to the region this fall.

Brookings Institution Iran expert Maloney believes the maritime blockade is unlikely to produce a decisive result in the near or even medium term, and that its only realistic use must be based on a long-term siege plan. International Crisis Group expert Vaez noted that Washington can continue to suppress Iran at a manageable cost, while Tehran can also pass most of the pain on to its own people. "Everyone will pay a price, but the leaderships on both sides have not yet paid enough of a price to accept the other's terms."