Foreign Affairs Analysis (KATHMANDU) – When Donald Trump recently hinted at ending the war with Iran, it appeared as a moment of strategic clarity. Yet, beneath this shift lies a more uncomfortable truth: this realization has come later than it should have. The reasons driving this decision are clear and compelling—but they were visible much earlier as well.
First, Trump now seems to believe that the core military objectives have already been achieved. The initial aim of the United States was limited—to weaken Iran’s military strength and restrict its strategic capabilities. There was no clear intention to occupy Iran or engage in a prolonged war. If these objectives have largely been met, then continuing the conflict only increases risk without adding meaningful gains. This is a logical conclusion, but one that could have guided policy earlier.
Second, the financial cost of the war has become overwhelming. The United States is reportedly spending nearly 900 million dollars per day on this conflict. Such a massive expenditure is difficult to sustain, even for a global power. Over time, the war has shifted from a strategic operation to an economic burden. Trump, who has long emphasized economic strength, now appears to recognize that prolonged military engagement directly weakens financial stability.
Third, there is growing domestic pressure within the United States. Public opinion has increasingly turned against the war, with a large portion of Americans favoring a quick end to the conflict. War fatigue, shaped by past experiences in the Middle East, is once again influencing political sentiment. Trump had earlier built his political image around avoiding “endless wars,” and continuing this conflict would contradict that position. Ending the war has therefore become politically necessary.
Fourth, the war has triggered a broader economic impact, especially through rising oil prices. Tensions in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted global energy supplies. This has led to increased oil prices and market instability. For ordinary citizens, it has meant higher fuel costs and inflationary pressure. A war that was intended to secure strategic interests has instead begun to harm economic stability at home and abroad.
Fifth, the United States is facing a lack of strong international support. Key European allies have shown reluctance to fully back the war effort. This has left the U.S. relatively isolated on the global stage. In today’s interconnected world, even powerful nations require cooperation and legitimacy from their partners. Without such support, sustaining a long war becomes diplomatically and logistically more difficult.
Sixth, there is an increasing risk of escalation into a wider regional conflict. Iran has demonstrated its ability to retaliate through missile attacks and regional influence. Continued confrontation raises the possibility of the war expanding beyond its original scope. A larger conflict in the Middle East would be far more dangerous and unpredictable. Trump now appears to recognize that prolonging the war could lead to consequences that are difficult to control.
Seventh, and perhaps most importantly, there is no clear definition of victory. While initial objectives may have been achieved, there is no well-defined endpoint for the conflict. Without a clear goal, wars tend to continue indefinitely, accumulating costs without delivering decisive outcomes. Ending the war now allows Trump to present it as a success, even if the long-term results remain uncertain.
Taken together, these reasons explain why Trump is now moving toward ending the war. However, they also highlight a broader lesson. Each of these factors—cost, risk, public opinion, and strategic ambiguity—was visible much earlier in the conflict. Recognizing them sooner could have prevented the situation from escalating to its current level.
In the end, Trump’s decision reflects a late but necessary realization: wars are easier to begin than to end, and the longer they continue, the heavier the burden they create. The real challenge is not ending the war now, but understanding why it was not ended sooner.