Trump Eyes End to Iran War: Victory or Strategic Retreat?

President Trump hinted at the end of the war in Iran, which has already lasted for five weeks, stating that they will leave "very soon".

However, despite his penchant for self-praise, the president faces difficulties in declaring victory unless fundamental realities change before the cessation of hostilities.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused oil prices to soar and, consequently, gas prices for Americans, which surpassed $4 per gallon according to data from the American Automobile Association.

The death of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an Israeli airstrike on the first day of the war, and his succession by his son Mojtaba Khamenei, further complicate the picture.

The new supreme leader has not been seen in public, and the Islamic Republic shows no imminent signs of collapse.

Furthermore, Iran still possesses the enriched uranium, which Trump sometimes calls "nuclear dust," adding another layer of complexity.

Regaining control of the Strait of Hormuz and seizing the enriched uranium present considerable challenges.

Securing the uranium would require an extremely complex military operation, with the risk of loss of American life.

Similarly, forcing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is difficult due to vulnerability to attacks from the Iranian coast, as Trump himself acknowledged.

Trump seems resigned to the idea of not being able to regain control of the Strait, suggesting that his allies should take action.

In a social media post, he urged nations like the United Kingdom to buy oil from the US or "build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait and JUST TAKE IT".

The president seems to be more focused on the internal economic and political consequences of the war.

Despite claims of regime change by Trump and key officials, such as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, current events do not meet the conventional definition of regime change.

Consternation extends even among Republicans, with strategist Ron Bonjean urging the administration to "achieve their military objectives as quickly as possible and start focusing on affordability issues" at home.

A Quinnipiac University poll found that 59% of registered voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the situation in Iran, compared to 34% who approve.

High gasoline prices and declining presidential approval complicate the picture for Trump.

Polling expert Nate Silver noted that Trump's approval had dipped below 40% for the first time in his second term.

Todd Belt of George Washington University believes Trump will struggle to convince his voters that the war has been worthwhile, especially if gas prices remain high.