President Trump is becoming increasingly frustrated as the war with Iran enters its fifth month with no clear end in sight, The Wall Street Journal reports. During a recent Oval Office meeting, Trump reportedly erupted against Iranian leaders, calling them “scumbags” and “lunatics,” as advisers warned that the conflict is consuming his presidency and damaging Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

Trump has attempted several times to bring the fighting to an end, including an April ceasefire and a June memorandum of understanding aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, each period of calm quickly collapsed, and Trump has reportedly become increasingly doubtful that negotiations can produce a lasting agreement. A senior administration official described him as being in “revenge mode,” saying he now believes Iran responds only to military force.

The president has also expressed frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has at times told aides that he did not want to speak with him. Nevertheless, Trump is scheduled to meet Netanyahu in Washington next week when the prime minister arrives to attend Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral.

The prolonged conflict has taken a personal toll on Trump and senior administration officials, some of whom have been warned that Iran may be seeking to assassinate them. Trump was recently briefed on Israeli intelligence indicating a possible Iranian plot against him, although some U.S. officials questioned its credibility.

Despite concerns over rising prices, American military casualties and the political impact of the war, Trump remains determined to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He reportedly believes an aggressive bombing campaign can break Tehran’s will. Rep. Michael McCaul said Trump believes he gave diplomacy a chance and is now “going back to Plan A, which is the military operation.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)