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The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Wednesday that it had launched strikes targeting multiple sites across Iran
US President Donald Trump (File Photo: AFP)
Seven months after the start of the Iran conflict, US President Donald Trump is privately considering declaring the war over, even as the Pentagon is extending troop deployment in West Asia, signalling that the tensions could drag into next year, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The report coincided with a fresh spate of strikes between the US and Iran on Tuesday. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Wednesday that it had launched strikes targeting multiple sites across Iran. The attacks prompted Tehran to retaliate by launching attacks on US-linked facilities across the Gulf.
Iranian officials reported that 18 people were killed, while 142 others sustained injuries in the latest round of US strikes.
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According to the WSJ, Trump has discussed with senior aides “whether to declare the Iran war over,” a move he quietly supports, especially ahead of the mid-term elections and against the backdrop of rising energy prices due to the war.
The president believes that Iran would eventually dismantle its nuclear programme under the intense economic pressure. The development came in the wake of US’ launch of Operation Economic Outcast last week to target Tehran’s key economic lifelines, including its oil, shipping, aviation, digital assets, and more.
Mixed Signals On War?
Despite Trump’s push for an end to the Iran war, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is quietly extending troop deployment in West Asia, “in a sign that the conflict could drag well into next year”, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The move aims to provide the president with “options in the war”, the outlet reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
US Escorted 40 Ships Through Strait
Amid the latest round of exchange between the US and Iran, Washington escorted Tuesday 40 commercial ships through the strategically vital waterway, two US officials told CNN.
The number of vessels protected in a single operation was the highest recorded during the ongoing conflict, they said.
Meanwhile, the US military also struck nearly 60 Iranian military positions in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, with the targets including air defence installations, radar equipment, maritime infrastructure, mine-laying facilities and communications systems.
Quick Answers
Ask News18US President Donald Trump is privately considering declaring the Iran war over, and he quietly supports making this move ahead of the November midterm elections. However, it is not yet confirmed whether he will actually do so, as his administration is sending mixed signals; while Trump is weighing the declaration, the Pentagon is simultaneously extending troop deployments in West Asia, indicating the conflict could drag into next year.
Ask News18About the Author
A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More
September 03, 2026, 12:03 IST
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