Rep. Darrell Issa suggested Sunday that the conflict involving Iran could continue for quite some time, arguing that President Donald Trump currently holds a strong negotiating position and has little reason to rush toward an agreement.
Speaking with Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy on “The Sunday Briefing,” Issa was asked about the timeline for bringing the conflict to a formal conclusion.
“How long until the war is officially, officially over?” Doocy asked.
Issa responded by cautioning that a resolution may not come quickly.
“It could be a very long time,” he said before offering an analogy to describe what he views as the current balance of leverage between the United States and Iran.
According to Issa, one side is under significant pressure while the other can afford to be patient. He compared the situation to a person struggling underwater while another remains unaffected, suggesting that President Trump has little incentive to accelerate negotiations if the opposing side continues to face mounting difficulties.
“That’s what President Trump is doing as we speak,” Issa said. “He’s taking advantage of the fact that they’re suffering — we’re not.”
Issa argued that Iran is confronting major challenges while the United States is experiencing comparatively limited consequences. He acknowledged that Americans may face higher energy prices for a period of time, but contended that Iran is dealing with far more serious threats to its governing structure.
“They’re dealing with significant problems,” Issa said. “We only have to try to boost our oil and natural gases to help the Europeans.”
He went on to describe the situation facing Iran as an “existential threat” to its regime, contrasting it with the temporary economic pressures being felt elsewhere.
The congressman’s comments come as negotiations between the United States and Iran remain unresolved despite recent signs of progress. Just one week ago, President Trump indicated that discussions with Iran’s theocratic government had advanced significantly and suggested that a deal could be nearing completion.
In a May 23 social media post, Trump said that negotiators were working through the final details of an agreement.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote.
He also stated that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would be included among the agreement’s provisions, along with other elements that were still under discussion.
Despite those optimistic remarks, no final agreement has yet been reached. Reports indicate that Trump reviewed a proposed framework late last week but ultimately determined that it failed to meet his requirements.
The president has consistently maintained that any agreement must ensure Iran abandons its pursuit of a nuclear weapon. That demand has remained a central condition throughout the negotiations and continues to be one of the key issues preventing a final breakthrough.
While diplomatic talks remain ongoing, uncertainty continues to surround the process. The administration has emphasized negotiations as the preferred path forward, but Trump has also made clear that patience is not unlimited.
During an appearance Saturday on a Fox News program hosted by his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, the president warned that if diplomacy ultimately fails, he is prepared to pursue another course.
“If negotiations fall apart,” Trump said, he would look to “end it a different way.”
For now, the talks remain in limbo, with both sides still far apart on key issues and no immediate resolution in sight.
