Washington Fears Iran War Sliding into 'Frozen Conflict'… Trump Torn Between Two Options

American officials told Axios that they are worried about the United States sliding into a "frozen" conflict — neither war nor agreement — as the Iran war enters a phase resembling the Cold War, with financial sanctions, forcible interception of ships, and talk of "negotiations to begin negotiations."

The officials added that in this scenario, Washington would be forced to keep its forces in the region longer, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed, the American blockade continuing, and each side waiting for the other to back down or escalate first.

With six months remaining until the November midterm elections, a source close to President Donald Trump said that a "frozen conflict is the worst politically and economically" outcome for him.

Trump torn between two options

Five advisers who spoke with Trump said the president is torn between the option of launching new military strikes and waiting to see whether a "maximum pressure" policy through sanctions will push Iran to negotiate an end to its nuclear program.

One adviser said the president told him that Iranians "only understand bombs." He added: "The president is frustrated but realistic — he doesn't want to use force but doesn't intend to back down either."

Sources indicated that some of Trump's senior advisers prefer maintaining the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and tightening sanctions before considering any military escalation.

Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio described the level of American sanctions on Tehran in a FOX NEWS interview as "exceptional," while noting that pressure on Tehran could be increased.

He added: "I hope the rest of the world will join us in imposing sanctions on the Iranian regime, to force concessions it is not willing to make."

In contrast, Trump is consulting hawkish figures outside the administration such as Washington Post columnist Marc Thiessen, retired General Jack Keane, and Senator Lindsey Graham, who push for military action to break the deadlock.

Graham urged Trump on Monday via X: "Mr. President, hold your position for the good of the nation and the world. The Iranian regime and its behavior are the problem, not you." Graham called on Trump to reject Iran's latest proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz and postpone negotiations on nuclear issues.

Trump leaning toward rejecting Iran's proposal

Trump discussed Iran's proposal with his national security team on Monday, after Iran offered a partial deal to open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade on ships entering and leaving Iran, while deferring nuclear program negotiations.

An American official and two other sources briefed on the meeting said Trump made no decision, and one source indicated that Trump does not appear inclined to accept the Iranian proposal because it would postpone talks on the nuclear program — Trump's main objective in the war.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Monday: "The president has made his red lines very clear regarding Iran — not only to the American people, but to them as well."

Trump imposed the naval blockade on Iran after it closed the strait and began levying fees on oil tankers passing through the vital corridor, responsible for approximately 20% of global oil supplies.

The American military is forcing ships flying the Iranian flag and carrying Tehran's oil to return to their ports, and the United States has seized other tankers carrying Iranian oil and materials it describes as "prohibited," saying Iran may use them in the war.