Trump mulls declaring Iran war over as Pentagon extends deployments
16:43, 03/09/2026, Thursday
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US President Donald Trump has privately discussed ending the war with Iran with senior aides, believing economic pressure will force Tehran to capitulate, even as the Pentagon extends troop deployments in the Middle East to maintain operational flexibility, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
US President Donald Trump is privately discussing with senior aides "whether to declare the Iran war over," a move he reportedly "favors," according to a Wall Street Journal report Wednesday. He believes that maintaining intense economic pressure will eventually force Tehran to "either dismantle its nuclear program or collapse."
Military extensions contradict withdrawal rhetoric
Despite the private deliberations, the Pentagon is extending deployments in a sign that the war could drag "well into next year." The military is maintaining 50,000 troops and 19 warships, including two aircraft carriers and 13 guided-missile destroyers, to provide the president with operational "flexibility," according to the newspaper.
Operation Economic Outcast
The US launched Operation Economic Outcast last week, targeting Iran's key economic lifelines across oil, shipping, aviation, gold, technology and digital asset sectors. The sanctions aim to sever Tehran's access to international markets while the administration weighs declaring an end to hostilities.
The extended deployments include 50,000 personnel alongside two aircraft carrier strike groups and 13 guided-missile destroyers positioned across the Middle East. The military buildup continues as the White House deliberates over the future of the conflict.
