Trump Aides Ready for Prospect of Iran War Stretching Until 2029: Reports

U.S. President Donald Trump’s aides are making plans for the likelihood that the war against Iran might continue till the end of his presidency in January 2029 despite his claim that the war could come to an end sooner. 

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Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other high officials have already discussed the prospect of a longer war in the White House meetings. 

The discussion involves a scenario where Tehran survives the pressure tactics employed by the US, including economic sanctions and naval blockades. 

Public and Private Timelines of Trump for Conflict Resolution 

The planning takes place at a time when Trump continues to indicate to the public that he is anticipating an end to the conflict soon. 

Speaking on Wednesday, Trump predicted that the fighting would come to an immediate end after the American midterm elections in November because Iran will not be able to keep up the fight anymore. 

However, within the White House, sources say that the administration has considered scenarios in which the conflict continues even after Trump leaves office. 

US Extends Some Military Deployments Into 2027 

Military preparations also point to the possibility of a longer US presence in the region. 

The Pentagon has extended some troop deployments into 2027, while certain air-defence units are being kept in the Middle East without a fixed withdrawal date. 

Around 50,000 US troops are currently deployed across the region. Air-defence systems have been positioned in Gulf countries to counter Iranian missiles and drones. 

A third Marine Expeditionary Unit is also expected to deploy to the region this autumn. 

A prolonged Middle East deployment could require the US to balance its Iran campaign against military commitments elsewhere, including priorities in Europe and Asia. 

Washington Turns to Economic and Maritime Pressure 

Alongside its military presence, the Trump administration has increasingly relied on economic and maritime pressure. 

The strategy, referred to as “Operation Economic Outcast”, combines sanctions with a naval blockade intended to weaken Iran’s ability to sustain itself economically. 

The approach is being used as an alternative to relying primarily on major combat operations. 

Iran, meanwhile, has continued to retaliate against the US-led campaign through missile attacks and confrontations involving shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. 

The US military said it destroyed five Iranian tankers on Tuesday after Iranian attacks targeted American military vessels. The reported Iranian attacks were unsuccessful. 

US Gasoline Prices Rise Amid Conflict 

The conflict is also being felt through higher fuel prices in the United States. 

The average US gasoline price stood at $4.22 a gallon on Wednesday, according to AAA. That compared with $4.01 a month earlier and $3.19 a year ago. 

The administration is simultaneously assessing whether Iran could adapt to the pressure campaign and rebuild parts of its missile, drone and radar capabilities. 

Vance has avoided setting a firm deadline for the confrontation, arguing that establishing a public timeline could give Iran an advantage. 

The discussions inside the administration do not establish that the conflict will continue until 2029. Instead, they show that senior US officials are preparing for that possibility while Washington maintains its military presence, naval blockade and economic pressure on Tehran.