Iran and the US are likely to enter into a protracted war. Although the intensity of current hostilities is low, there is little sign of a cease-fire or a return to normal energy flows in the Middle East in the short term. A senior Iranian official reported that despite rising economic costs, the Tehran leadership is determined to continue fighting because they see the conflict as a threat to survival. The official said that Iran has been able to rebuild its missile capabilities, and if Washington steps up its attacks, Iran will also escalate attacks on targets in the US and the Gulf region. The report said that senior White House advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have told President Donald Trump that the war may continue until the end of his current term, which is January 2029. These preparations for a long-term confrontation contradict Trump's recent statement that the war will end “immediately” after the November 3 midterm elections. Trump's failure to end the conflict has overshadowed this midterm election. Iran's position is also weakening America's efforts to force Tehran to return to the negotiating table through economic pressure.

Iran and the US are likely to enter into a protracted war. Although the intensity of current hostilities is low, there is little sign of a cease-fire or a return to normal energy flows in the Middle East in the short term. A senior Iranian official reported that despite rising economic costs, the Tehran leadership is determined to continue fighting because they see the conflict as a threat to survival. The official said that Iran has been able to rebuild its missile capabilities, and if Washington steps up its attacks, Iran will also escalate attacks on targets in the US and the Gulf region. The report said that senior White House advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have told President Donald Trump that the war may continue until the end of his current term, which is January 2029. These preparations for a long-term confrontation contradict Trump's recent statement that the war will end “immediately” after the November 3 midterm elections. Trump's failure to end the conflict has overshadowed this midterm election. Iran's position is also weakening America's efforts to force Tehran to return to the negotiating table through economic pressure.