US-Iran Conflict Enters Second Week; Will It Become a "Prolonged Conflict" for Trump?
As the conflict between the United States and Iran enters its second week, there are no signs of the fighting abating. Behind the whistle of bullets in the Middle East, political lines in Washington are sharpening, prompting significant questions about how long this conflict will persist and what impact it will have on President Donald Trump’s domestic standing.
Unlike the swift strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities last year or the toppling of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which were single-day operations, this war appears far more complex. The Trump administration has provided contradictory timeframes, ranging from days to an undefined duration.
Trump has asserted that the war will only end with “unconditional surrender” from Iran. The ambitious goal of ensuring Iran never possesses nuclear weapons is predicted to require considerable time and risks involving ground troops.
Politically, the war is unpopular. Polling averages from various institutions show low levels of support. A primary driver is the sharp increase in fuel prices. Although Trump argues that rising prices are a “small price to pay” for security, the American public appears unconvinced.
Reuters-Ipsos polling data shows 45% of Americans, including 34% of Republican voters, tend to oppose the war if fuel prices continue to spike. This inflation is predicted to become a significant burden for the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 mid-term elections.
Another issue under scrutiny is the government’s inconsistency in explaining the war’s fundamental rationale. Initially, the justification was Iran’s nuclear material, then it shifted to ballistic missile (ICBM) threats, and finally to Trump’s latest claim that Iran plans to seize the entire Middle East.
“I think they made a big mistake,” Trump said in an interview with ABC News, referring to Iran’s actions. However, this continual shift in narrative has created a credibility gap in the eyes of the public and political analysts.
US relations with Israel are also at a critical juncture. American public support for Israel has reportedly dropped sharply in recent months. Additionally, a Pentagon investigation into strikes that killed many children at a primary school in Iran has added international pressure.
Fox News host Laura Ingraham issued a stern warning to the government. “The government must promptly complete the investigation and conduct it openly. A terrible and unintended tragedy of this war,” she stated.
The question now is no longer merely who wins the battles on the ground, but how long Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) support base remains solid behind him if casualties continue to mount and the domestic economy becomes increasingly strained.