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US President Donald Trump is facing growing pressure to find an exit from the Iran conflict as Gulf allies resist deeper military involvement and Tehran remains sceptical about Washington’s latest peace proposal, according to foreign policy experts speaking to CNBC-TV18.
Dr. Waiel Awwad said Trump’s position has become increasingly difficult amid falling domestic support, regional resistance and uncertainty over negotiations with Iran.
“I think Trump is in a Catch-22 situation,” Awwad said during the interview. “The best option for him now is to declare that it is the right time to pull out of this war.”
Trump has repeatedly claimed that a peace agreement with Iran is close, while also warning Tehran that the US could resume attacks if negotiations fail. Speaking at the White House, the US President said Washington had held “very good talks” with Iran over the last 24 hours and predicted that the war would end soon.
Iran, however, has reportedly dismissed parts of the proposed agreement as an “American wish list” and “not a reality”, signalling that major differences remain unresolved.
According to Awwad, Gulf countries are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the conflict widening into a regional war. He pointed to reports that Saudi Arabia refused to allow the US to use its air bases and airspace for military operations linked to the conflict.
“What happened was that the Americans entered the war and used military bases without the consent of the Arab countries,” Awwad said. “That is what provoked anger, even in Saudi Arabia.”
He added that Gulf nations do not want to be drawn into direct confrontation with Iran or bear the economic burden of a prolonged conflict.
Former Indian diplomat Achal Kumar Malhotra said Trump is simultaneously trying to project strength while also searching for a political and military off-ramp.
“He also wants to project himself as a victor — someone who has achieved all the objectives with which he launched strikes on Iran,” Malhotra said.
According to Malhotra, Trump is likely seeking a limited agreement or memorandum of understanding that would allow the US to claim progress and reduce direct involvement in the conflict, even if broader disputes remain unresolved.
“At this point, I think what Trump is looking for is some sort of brief memorandum of understanding or agreement to declare an end to the war,” he said.
Malhotra noted that key issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, frozen Iranian assets and the security of Hormuz trade routes remain major sticking points in negotiations.
He also said both Washington and Tehran appear to be adopting maximalist positions in the current talks, making a comprehensive settlement difficult in the near term.
“From the Iranian point of view, they are not going to compromise on their nuclear programme,” Malhotra said.
Also Read | Iran reviewing US proposal as Trump pressures Tehran for agreement on deal to end war
The experts suggested that while the US may eventually reduce its direct role in the conflict, tensions between Iran and Israel could continue independently.
“What Trump may eventually do is create a situation where America walks away from the conflict but leaves Israel to settle scores with Iran separately,” Malhotra added.
Dr. Waiel Awwad said Trump’s position has become increasingly difficult amid falling domestic support, regional resistance and uncertainty over negotiations with Iran.
“I think Trump is in a Catch-22 situation,” Awwad said during the interview. “The best option for him now is to declare that it is the right time to pull out of this war.”
Trump has repeatedly claimed that a peace agreement with Iran is close, while also warning Tehran that the US could resume attacks if negotiations fail. Speaking at the White House, the US President said Washington had held “very good talks” with Iran over the last 24 hours and predicted that the war would end soon.
Iran, however, has reportedly dismissed parts of the proposed agreement as an “American wish list” and “not a reality”, signalling that major differences remain unresolved.
According to Awwad, Gulf countries are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the conflict widening into a regional war. He pointed to reports that Saudi Arabia refused to allow the US to use its air bases and airspace for military operations linked to the conflict.
“What happened was that the Americans entered the war and used military bases without the consent of the Arab countries,” Awwad said. “That is what provoked anger, even in Saudi Arabia.”
He added that Gulf nations do not want to be drawn into direct confrontation with Iran or bear the economic burden of a prolonged conflict.
Former Indian diplomat Achal Kumar Malhotra said Trump is simultaneously trying to project strength while also searching for a political and military off-ramp.
“He also wants to project himself as a victor — someone who has achieved all the objectives with which he launched strikes on Iran,” Malhotra said.
According to Malhotra, Trump is likely seeking a limited agreement or memorandum of understanding that would allow the US to claim progress and reduce direct involvement in the conflict, even if broader disputes remain unresolved.
“At this point, I think what Trump is looking for is some sort of brief memorandum of understanding or agreement to declare an end to the war,” he said.
Malhotra noted that key issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, frozen Iranian assets and the security of Hormuz trade routes remain major sticking points in negotiations.
He also said both Washington and Tehran appear to be adopting maximalist positions in the current talks, making a comprehensive settlement difficult in the near term.
“From the Iranian point of view, they are not going to compromise on their nuclear programme,” Malhotra said.
Also Read | Iran reviewing US proposal as Trump pressures Tehran for agreement on deal to end war
The experts suggested that while the US may eventually reduce its direct role in the conflict, tensions between Iran and Israel could continue independently.
“What Trump may eventually do is create a situation where America walks away from the conflict but leaves Israel to settle scores with Iran separately,” Malhotra added.
