Trump's Frustration Mounts Over Iran Conflict Amid Economic Strain and Political Backlash

President Donald Trump unleashed an expletive-filled rant against Iran’s leaders as he appears to be increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in the war he started earlier this year, according to a report.

During a recent Oval Office meeting, the president called the Iranian leaders “scumbags” and “lunatics,” a person who overheard the remarks told The Wall Street Journal.

Roughly five months into the U.S.-Iran conflict, there has been limited progress on a peace deal, which has seen lengthy negotiations between the two sides.

A senior administration official told the Wall Street Journal that Trump was losing patience and sees few good options besides continuing military strikes, which resumed earlier this month after a ceasefire fell apart.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that Iran broke a memorandum of understanding with the United States by shooting at commercial ships and killing American soldiers.

“President Trump is not going to stand by and allow this terrorist behavior to occur. Iran is paying in massive bombs, night after night, and they will continue to pay until they come to the table in, what President Trump deems, a meaningful way,” Leavitt added.

When the president started the war with Iran in February, he insisted it was a temporary conflict that was being initiated to ensure Iran would not have access to a nuclear weapon, among other goals.

But the administration has seemingly run into issues ending the conflict, particularly after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz – causing global oil prices to skyrocket and pushing up U.S. inflation.

Gas prices and grocery costs are straining people’s wallets. As of July 24, AAA estimates the national average regular fuel is over $4 per gallon.

More U.S. service members have also died as a result of the war. Three soldiers were killed in the Middle East last weekend, pushing the total number of casualties to 18.

Americans have grown more frustrated with the president’s actions overseas; even the president’s most ardent supporters are tired of the conflict. A recent Politico poll found a 13 percentage point drop in support among MAGA voters between May and July.

Members of Congress have also signaled their growing frustrations with Trump. This past week, House Republicans joined Democrats in voting on a resolution to halt U.S. military action in Iran. While the resolution is largely symbolic, it reflects how members of Trump’s own party are feeling.

The war has even taken a personal toll on Trump, who has been advised to stop taking car services due to security concerns that Iran is trying to kill him, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Earlier in the month, the president reportedly had to fly out of Turkey on the old Air Force One, rather than the newly refurbished Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, due to security concerns.