The US administration is concerned that Washington could be drawn into a frozen conflict with Iran without a resumption of hostilities or an agreement, several US officials told Axios.

They said there are concerns that there will be neither a military nor a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, and that the US would have to keep significant forces in the region for a long time, maintaining a naval blockade of Iran.

In the meantime, each side will be closely following the other's actions, waiting for them to either strike or lower their guard. According to one source, this scenario is the worst thing that could happen to US President Donald Trump politically and economically as the US midterm elections on November 3 approach.

Trump’s advisers told Axios that the US leader is torn between launching further strikes and waiting for the maximum impact of economic sanctions on Iran, which could force Tehran to make concessions, including on its nuclear program.

According to one adviser, Trump told him that Iran’s leadership only understands bombing. The source described Trump’s current state as a disappointed realist. He doesn’t want to use force, but he won’t back down, the source added.

Trump on Monday discussed, with his national security team, Iran’s proposal to hold a new round of talks, but no decision was made, Axios adds.