How is Irans attack perceived in the United States?

The United States has engaged in a new war in the Middle East. However, Donald Trump had made isolationism one of the major axes of his political program. So how is his country reacting to this new military campaign? Answers from the United States with RTS correspondent Tristan Dessert.

As the war in Iran enters its third week and Israeli and American bombings continue, its objectives remain unclear and Donald Trump is taking a big risk approaching the crucial midterm elections. The adherence of the American population, including in his own camp, risks becoming a key issue as the war prolongs.

On the ground, RTS correspondent in the United States Tristan Dessert notes that the population is skeptical about the prospects of this attack. In daily life, this war is far from making headlines outside the Washington political-media microcosm.

“When questioning Americans at the gas station, many don’t even know that the rise in gas prices is linked to the war in Iran.”

After American decades in Iraq or Afghanistan, Donald Trump had promised, during his campaigns, not to engage in new wars, particularly in the Middle East. This contradiction puts some of his supporters in a delicate situation. But according to Tristan Dessert, most of his base continues to trust him for now.

“For now, what we have observed in opinion polls and on the ground is that the Trumpist base continues to trust the leader.”

This war also puts the Democratic opposition in a delicate situation: it must criticize Donald Trump’s actions without appearing complacent towards the Iranian regime. For now, it is the lack of a clear plan and objective that is being criticized, the death of American soldiers, or even potential mistakes by the American army.

“The points that could crystallize opposition are if there are too many American deaths. There have already been some, and that is never very popular.”

From the White House, Donald Trump stays on course. Faithful to himself, he multiplies triumphalist statements and is likely to claim victory whatever happens on the ground. But his policy does not seem to be unanimous even within his administration, notes Tristan Dessert: the discretion of Vice President JD Vance, in particular, could mark a fracture on the line.

“According to well-informed journalists in Washington, there are dissenting voices within the administration urging Trump to find a way out as quickly as possible.”

(Source: jop)