Trump’s shifting Iran war rhetoric causes uncertainty in markets and administration

US President Donald Trump’s constantly shifting signals on the war with Iran have reportedly created growing uncertainty, not just among foreign governments and markets, but even within his own administration.

Officials who have long supported Trump are increasingly skeptical about both the conflict and the president’s ultimate objectives. Some aides, speaking on condition of anonymity, described White House decision-making as heavily improvised, Axios reported.

The presidential aides argued that Trump lacks a specific plan.His decision-making pattern ranging from rapid escalations to sudden pullbacks, appears highly unpredictable.

At different points, his aides have believed he was preparing for a major military push, only to later hear him talk about winding down operations and declaring victory, Axios reported.

“Nobody knows in the end what he’s really thinking,” one senior advisor said, while a former official described Trump’s approach consistently evolving on a weekly basis, with no fixed strategy or even a layout in place.

Others close to the president argue that the unpredictability is deliberate, with GOP Senator Lindsey Graham claiming that the lack of clarity itself was part of the plan to create confusion within enemies, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth framed it as a tactic to keep adversaries off balance.

Another administration official described the approach as intentionally contradictory, making it difficult for allies and adversaries alike to anticipate US moves.

Trump has increasingly spoken about ending the war within a span of “two to three weeks,” in a bid to exit the campaign quickly, and declare victory, as Tehran has shown massive resilience, with the Houthis also entering the war, significantly raising difficulties for the US to engage militarily.

As per officials close to him, he still continues to engage with more hawkish voices, including Graham and conservative commentator Mark Levin, even as some long-time allies caution against deeper escalation.

US’ regional partners in West Asia are also watching closely, with officials in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE also expressing concerns over the prospect of a US exit, all the while Iran’s military, though weakened, still retains significant weapons capability.

Simultaneously, however, the US continues to build up its military assets in the region, maintaining options for further escalation even as discussions over an exit strategy continue to take place.

Scenarios under consideration include a “final blow” to key Iranian military infrastructure, and nuclear facilities.Another concept being discussed inside the administration is a longer-term approach sometimes described as “mowing the grass,” involving periodic strikes to limit Iran’s capabilities without committing to sustained ground operations.

Despite the massive military buildup, and heavy posturing, advisors note that Trump remains reluctant to deploy ground troops, though he hasn’t ruled it out. His hesitation, along with his shifting rhetoric, is sending mixed signals to everyone, Washington included, leaving officials perplexed, and the overall direction of the war completely unsettled.