U.S. President Donald Trump expected that the American military would be able to end hostilities against Iran within a few weeks, but Washington instead found itself facing a protracted conflict with no clear end in sight, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.

According to the newspaper, Trump is frustrated by how the situation has developed, and his advisers fear that the war will lead to rising prices, lower approval ratings for the president, and negatively affect the Republican Party’s standing ahead of the midterm congressional elections.

WSJ notes that the American leader is increasingly placing less hope in a diplomatic settlement and, according to sources, has shifted to a tougher stance toward Tehran. At the same time, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner believe that reaching an agreement with Iran remains possible.

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28. After a temporary ceasefire agreement, Washington resumed strikes in July, accusing Tehran of violating arrangements related to shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz.