Top White House official Stephen Miller has warned that the military conflict with Iran could drag on “indefinitely” if the Iranian regime fails to capitulate to President Donald Trump’s demands. The warning came despite Mr Trump’s previous claims that the war would likely last only four to five weeks.
Speaking on Fox News, Mr Miller, the deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser, said that the naval blockade imposed by Mr Trump is “squeezing the economic life out of the Iranian regime” and that the US has the capacity to continue the operation indefinitely. He insisted that the US holds “all of the cards” in negotiations and will not allow Iran to pursue or achieve nuclear weapons.
Mr Miller repeated that Mr Trump wants peace and a deal, but stressed that “every other option is on the table” to ensure a “final, safe, secure outcome”. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed those sentiments, urging Iran to “choose wisely” or face further military action, including bombing of infrastructure.
First-round negotiations between the US and Iran faltered last week, but Mr Trump expressed positivity towards a proposed 10-point Iranian peace plan. However, by Monday he had ordered a blockade on Iranian ports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said further economic pressure, including secondary sanctions on countries buying Iranian oil, could follow.
Pakistan is expected to host a second round of peace talks, though no date has been set. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in March found that 66 per cent of Americans want the US to end the war even if it means not achieving the administration’s goals.
