The United States is reportedly preparing to declare victory in its ongoing conflict with Iran without reaching a formal agreement, while the White House has initiated preparations for this move, and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is currently gathering intelligence to assess the potential fallout. Specifically, the intelligence agency is trying to determine what Iran's reaction would be if President Donald Trump unilaterally declares victory in the conflict. According to news agency Reuters, the White House views this conflict as a burden and is seeking an immediate exit strategy.
Low Prospects for a Formal Deal
According to the Wall Street Journal, the United States has decided to increase its full blockade as it sees little hope for a near-term agreement with Iran. S. to draft new proposals, while iranian officials have stated that a new proposal can only be finalized with the consent of the Supreme Leader, a process that could take considerable time. This deadlock has placed the White House in a difficult position as global oil and gas prices continue to rise.
Political Pressure and Midterm Elections
S. midterm elections scheduled for later this year. These elections represent a major challenge for President Trump; a loss for his party would complicate his legislative agenda, while without a majority in the Senate and Congress, the administration would struggle to make independent decisions or pass key policies. The economic pressure from rising energy costs further complicates the political landscape for the current administration.
CIA Analyzing Two Strategic Options
Reports indicate that the CIA is simultaneously reviewing two primary strategic options to resolve the situation:
S. declares victory without a deal and Iran refuses to acknowledge it, the nation's global reputation could be tarnished. The CIA continues to gather data on these scenarios to help the administration decide its next course of action in the Middle East.