Senior Trump administration officials are reportedly pushing to contain the conflict with Iran and avoid a major escalation before the November midterm elections amid concerns that the unpopular war could hurt Republicans at the polls.

Four people familiar with the discussions told Reuters that White House officials are unlikely to consider significantly expanding military operations until after the Nov. 3 elections. For now, the administration is expected to focus heavily on economic pressure in an effort to force concessions from Tehran.

The strategy comes as Republicans hold a narrow majority in Congress and polling shows significant public opposition to the conflict. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in late August found just 31% of Americans support the war, while 63% oppose it. President Donald Trump’s approval rating has also fallen from 40% to 33%, according to the report.

A temporary reduction in military activity would also give the U.S. military additional time to replenish depleted ammunition stockpiles. However, maintaining relative calm has become increasingly difficult amid continued exchanges between Washington and Tehran, including recent U.S. strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian attacks targeting Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among senior administration officials who reportedly support maintaining relative calm until November while intensifying the campaign to economically isolate Iran.

The approach comes despite Trump warning Tuesday that Iran would face a far more devastating response if it retaliates for the latest U.S. strikes.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wiles told Reuters that Trump has devastated Iran’s military capabilities and is crippling what remains of its economy through the U.S. naval blockade and sanctions, adding that the president will continue advancing American interests and will never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)