The United States is preparing for a prolonged conflict with Iran despite ongoing efforts to pressure Tehran through military and economic means, according to Mike Waltz, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Donald Trump. In remarks made ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, Waltz acknowledged that a stalemate could persist for at least another year, with no immediate resolution to Iran’s nuclear program or restoration of normal shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz.

Waltz noted that while the administration hopes Iran will engage in meaningful negotiations soon, the U.S. military and Navy remain capable of maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports for the foreseeable future. The Biden administration is also intensifying economic sanctions aimed at destabilizing Iran’s strategic capabilities.

The ongoing conflict, which began nearly nine months ago, has far exceeded the timeline initially projected by President Trump, who predicted a short conflict lasting only weeks. The fighting has contributed to surging global fuel prices as well as shortages in fertilizer and other commodities. Iran has targeted critical energy infrastructure in Gulf states, further disrupting a vital oil-producing region and international export routes.

Domestically, the war has become increasingly unpopular, contributing to President Trump’s approval rating slipping to approximately 31% ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. This dip in support coincides with concerns within the Republican Party about retaining control of Congress amid voter frustration over inflation and the cost of living.

In a recent development, Trump reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to permit the sale of Russian diesel fuel to mitigate global shortages. The move sparked criticism from European and Ukrainian officials, who warned that the arrangement could provide Russia with economic resources to continue its own conflict in Ukraine. Waltz defended the deal as a necessary measure to alleviate a humanitarian crisis affecting sectors including aviation, agriculture, and fertilizer supply, particularly in East Africa.

There is bipartisan pressure within the U.S. government to pursue an end to the conflict through a diplomatic agreement that would restore free passage through the Strait of Hormuz and enable reconstruction of the energy infrastructure in the region. However, Waltz emphasized that U.S. strategic objectives would not be met until Iran relinquishes its stockpile of highly enriched nuclear material and agrees to meaningful constraints on its domestic uranium enrichment program.

Waltz, who briefly served as Trump’s national security adviser before his dismissal last year over a security breach, also discussed U.S. efforts to reform United Nations operations. He stated that Washington has scaled back funding for UN agencies to push for changes, including potential reductions in longstanding peacekeeping missions that he said have sometimes perpetuated ongoing conflicts. Specifically, he called for the withdrawal of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), which he said has failed to prevent repeated hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

The U.S. is reportedly engaged in consultations with France, Israel, Lebanon, and other stakeholders to explore alternatives for future peacekeeping arrangements in Lebanon.