Trump Searches for a Fall Guy to Blame for Iran

President Trump is contemplating whether renewed attacks on Iran will lead to the victory he claims he has already achieved. He is also grappling with two domestic questions: identifying who will bear the blame for a war his advisers claimed would conclude before the midterms, and determining if he can trust their assurances that the new plan will succeed where prior attempts have failed.

Reports indicate that Trump is considering a new round of hostilities aimed at compelling Iran to negotiate, possibly following the midterms. Allies are being queried regarding the performance evaluations of key advisers, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, who have been instrumental in the war effort. Hegseth and Caine, who were once among Trump's most optimistic counselors on the war, have not hosted a press conference since May.

Reports suggest that Hegseth, a figure not popular within the White House, may not be forthcoming about the war's progress. One insider claimed Hegseth is adept at delivering the president's desired narrative. The defense secretary has also taken steps to protect his image by eliminating an officer suspected of leaking information to the press.

General Caine's office, however, denies that he actively investigates leaks within the Joint Staff. Trump, who has grown increasingly frustrated with the war's impact on his political prospects, is searching for a scapegoat among his advisers who previously assured him that the war would be swift and decisive.