The risk of renewed conflict between the United States and Iran remains high as the US military prepares for a possible major attack, while diplomatic efforts continue to prevent another escalation.
According to a report by US news outlet Axios, President Donald Trump is weighing three options: resuming military strikes against Iran, reaching an agreement with Tehran or maintaining economic pressure.
The report comes after Republicans suffered significant losses in the midterm elections, with Trump acknowledging that the Iran war contributed to the party’s electoral setback.
US Military Prepares for Possible Renewed Attacks
According to Axios, US military preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations against Iran have entered their final stages. Additional military equipment and assets are reportedly being deployed to the region.
However, Trump has yet to make a final decision. Even some of his close advisers reportedly remain uncertain about whether he will choose military action, diplomacy or continued economic pressure.
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Axios also reported that Trump had considered attacking Iran before the midterm elections following pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Despite the Republican electoral setback and concerns about the domestic political cost of another conflict, the possibility of renewed military action remains under consideration.
Vance Urges Trump to Reach Agreement with Tehran
US Vice President JD Vance has emerged as a prominent advocate within Trump’s inner circle for reaching an agreement with Iran rather than restarting military operations.
According to Axios, Vance has warned that a war with Iran is deeply unpopular among Americans and could carry serious political consequences for Republicans.
Vance has also privately criticised Netanyahu’s assessment of Iran, reportedly arguing that the Israeli prime minister had been wrong on every count regarding the issue.
Most of Trump’s senior advisers reportedly favour ending the conflict through negotiations. However, the president continues to weigh the possibility of another military attack.
Qatar Pushes for Deal to Prevent Renewed Conflict
As US military preparations continue, Qatari mediators are working to secure support from Washington and Tehran for a draft agreement aimed at preventing renewed fighting.
The proposed arrangement could also create an opportunity for direct negotiations between the two countries to resume in the coming days.
Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other advisers reportedly favour maintaining the US naval blockade and economic pressure to increase pressure on Tehran.
The diplomatic initiative comes as Trump weighs military action, a negotiated settlement and continued economic pressure as possible next steps.
Iran Celebrates Republican Midterm Losses
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei described the Republican Party’s midterm losses as a political victory for Tehran.
“The Iranian nation handed Trump a strategic defeat on the battlefield and in the Hormuz — and a POLITICAL DEFEAT in Washington,” Rezaei wrote on X.
According to Axios, diplomats involved in mediation efforts, Trump advisers and Middle East experts believe Iran’s reaction could increase the likelihood of the US president returning to military action.
The remarks have added another complication to diplomatic efforts as Washington weighs Tehran’s position and the possibility of renewed confrontation.
Trump Says He Would Launch War Again
On Wednesday, Trump acknowledged that the conflict had contributed to higher gasoline prices in the United States but defended his decision to launch military action against Iran.
He said he would make the same decision again if necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Asked when the conflict would end, Trump replied: “Whenever I wanted to. But it’s got to be done right, because they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
His remarks underscore the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of the conflict, as military preparations continue alongside diplomatic efforts to prevent another round of fighting.
