In this "ask ian,” Ian Bremmer explains why the US–Israel war with Iran is posing a political risk for President Trump, whose political brand has long centered on ending America’s “forever wars.”

When Trump ran for president, Ian notes, he consistently talked about “being the president of peace,” a message that resonated with voters after decades of costly conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But the current war with Iran looks very different from the limited military actions Trump previously favored. The Pentagon is now requesting an additional $200 billion to support the war while deploying thousands of US troops to the Persian Gulf.

The political danger is clear. A prolonged conflict with rising economic costs and American troops in harm’s way could undermine the core message that helped bring Trump to power. “If this becomes a long war,” Ian warns, “it’s not what American voters signed up for.”

More For You

Brazilian voters arrive at a polling station at Cidade Universitaria to cast their ballots in the second round of Brazil's presidential election in Lisbon, Portugal, on October 25, 2026.
Luis Boza via Reuters Connect

Elections have been taking place around the world in recent weeks – and if there’s one thing they have in common, it’s this: voters are fired up.

Did the midterms tank Vance's 2028 chances? | The Debrief with Clayton Allen

On The Debrief, Clayton Allen explains why the vice president’s ties to Trump—and dependence on a fractured MAGA coalition—could make 2028 a race he chooses to skip.