Trump Adviser Urges US To Claim Victory and Withdraw from Iran Conflict

By Haifa Chairunisa

A senior adviser to US President Donald Trump has cautioned that Washington may be nearing the limits of what it can safely achieve in its escalating conflict with Iran, urging a timely withdrawal before the situation worsens.

Speaking on the “All-In” podcast, White House AI and cryptocurrency adviser David Sacks said the US should consider declaring victory and pursuing a negotiated exit rather than deepening its military involvement. His remarks mark a rare break from the more confident tone projected by the administration and many Republican figures.

Sacks warned that prolonging the war could lead to unpredictable and potentially catastrophic consequences, including the risk of Iranian retaliation targeting critical infrastructure across the Middle East. He highlighted concerns over possible attacks on Gulf oil facilities and desalination plants, which supply water to tens of millions of people in the region.

He also noted that a broader escalation could place additional strain on Israel, potentially testing its air defence systems under sustained missile attacks. Describing Iran as holding significant leverage over regional economic stability, Sacks suggested the conflict could quickly expand beyond its current scope.

His comments came shortly before the US launched strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, a key oil export hub, underscoring the deepening impact of the conflict on strategic and economic assets. The escalation has already unsettled energy markets and raised fears of wider disruption across key shipping routes.

Sacks’ intervention reflects a growing divide within Washington over the direction of the war. While some officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, continue to advocate for increased military pressure, others within Trump’s circle are warning against the risks of a prolonged regional conflict.

Although the administration maintains that its campaign is weakening Iran, differing views are emerging behind the scenes, with some advisers pushing for escalation and others calling for an exit strategy to avoid a broader war.