For Trump and Vance, Iran isn't a forever war
President Donald Trump and JD Vance spent years promising that the era of American “forever wars” was over. Seven months after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, the administration has found a unique way to keep that promise: Don’t call it a war.
TL;DR
- President Trump and JD Vance promised an end to American "forever wars."
- Seven months after military operations began against Iran, the administration is avoiding the term "war."
- 18 American service members have been killed and over 800 wounded.
- Military operations have cost taxpayers billions, with ongoing costs estimated at $2 billion per month.
- Gasoline prices have significantly increased since the conflict began.
- A Fox News poll indicates 71% of respondents believe the administration lacks a clear strategy to end the conflict.
- The rhetoric of avoiding the term "war" complicates justifying the ongoing military commitment.
- The core issue should be the objective and whether it justifies the commitment, rather than the duration of the conflict.