Trump Says No Plans to Escalate Iran War After Election Loss
The president told CBS he does not regret the conflict despite voter dissatisfaction over gas prices and the war's duration.
By Eric Collins ·
Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump said Sunday that he has no intention of expanding the military conflict with Iran, marking his first television appearance since his party lost its congressional majority in the recent elections.
In an interview with CBS correspondent Ross Douthat, Trump stated, "I am not looking to (escalate the war). I do not think there is any reason (to do that)." The remarks come as the administration faces domestic backlash over the ongoing engagement with the Islamic Republic.
The president acknowledged that voters expressed displeasure with the war and the accompanying rise in gasoline prices. He also noted a "great resentment" toward Israel, the nation that launched the offensive alongside the United States. Trump maintained that he is not at odds with Vice President JD Vance, who previously attributed the Republican defeat to the war on social media.
Despite the political cost, Trump said he would make the same decision again to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. "My answer is an emphatic yes (I would do it again) because you cannot allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon," he said. He added that while the decision might not seem favorable in the immediate term, he believes it will be viewed favorably in the long run.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to the press shortly before the interview aired. Rubio described recent negotiations between Washington and Tehran as unproductive, citing "unacceptable" demands from the Islamic Republic.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump told CNN that large-scale attacks are unlikely to resume if progress is made on the nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has stalled for eight months without major military operations or breakthroughs in peace talks, while Iran continues to attack shipping in the strait.
