Trump's plan to propel battleground Republicans as Iran war stretches on

President Donald Trump has adopted a dual strategy aimed at pressuring Iran, combining economic sanctions with the possibility of increased military action. After launching "Operation Economic Outcast" last week, the administration has resumed airstrikes in recent days, leading to Iranian counterattacks and heightened fears of a full-scale regional conflict.

Despite the ongoing struggle to contain Iran's defiance, the administration's dual approach has not yielded significant results. Intense sanctions and sporadic bombings since the war began have failed to sway the Iranian leadership, leaving the administration grappling for a way to end the conflict.

Tehran remains steadfast, with energy prices rising, the global economy in turmoil, and Trump's approval ratings declining ahead of the November midterm elections. In a recent interview, Trump expressed confidence that the conflict would not last much longer, dismissing concerns over the impact of high gasoline prices and Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz on the elections.

A regional diplomat explained that domestic priorities in both countries—U.S. midterm elections and internal Iranian crises—prevent either side from yielding first. The diplomat added that without addressing the war's catalyst: Israel, negotiations between Tehran and Washington would not progress. The diplomat expressed skepticism regarding the new sanctions plan, stating that Iran's threats demand more clarification than the U.S. has provided.

So far, the economic isolation of Iran has yielded minimal success. Only one branch of an Egyptian bank in the United Arab Emirates has been targeted. For sanctions to be effective, they must apply to Iran's primary trading partners, primarily China, India, and Russia. However, the Trump administration is reluctant to target China, particularly as he prepares to host President Xi Jinping later this month.