Army expo attendees skeptical of Trump's Iran peace deal hopes: 'Beat 'em into submission'

Attendees at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Exposition were skeptical of President Donald Trump’s signal that a deal with Iran to end the war may be near, arguing the United States needs to continue its military and economic pressure on Tehran to bring the conflict to a close.

"Look at history, and that area only respects strength, right?" a member of AUSA’s Marne chapter in Georgia told Fox News Digital about Iran. "We're not going to get a deal with them. We're going to have to, unfortunately, beat them into submission."

He added, "There is no such thing as negotiation. So I think we're probably looking at at least another year, if not two."

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An armed member of Iran's police special forces adjusts a country flag on an armored military vehicle during a pro-government rally in downtown Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 12, 2026. (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The war began in February with joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The conflict has continued despite an April ceasefire and a June agreement intended to pave the way for a broader settlement, which later collapsed amid renewed fighting.

Trump still signals optimism about ending the conflict, saying earlier this month that Iran was "ready to fold up" and suggesting the war could end before the November midterm elections.

"It looks like you guys are holding off because of the midterms," Lincoln from Australia said.

He also argued that wealthy Gulf allies should take greater responsibility for their own security.

"But it also appears that the Gulf allies need to step up and start doing something for themselves, for their own defense," Lincoln said. "Saudi Arabia doesn't seem to be doing enough."

"It shouldn't just be the United States providing security for the entire world," he added.

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President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a campaign rally at F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tenn., on Oct. 10, 2026. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump said Thursday that he would not use nuclear weapons against Iran after reports started circulating that the Department of War was developing new strike plans that could include using a bomb known as the "Mother of All Bombs" against Iranian nuclear sites and energy infrastructure.

"I know they tried diplomatic channels and … that's a good idea," Joe from Florida said. "It looks like we have to move beyond that. It looks like force is needed. They keep trying force on us. Let's talk their language."

An Army veteran had more optimism toward the prospects of a deal, arguing that continued economic pressure on Iran could help to end the conflict.

"Physically, they're having a hard time because there's a lot of pressure on them," Carl from Maryland said. "They're running low on resources, cash."

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He continued, "I think that more of … this continued pressure on them — economically, the sanctions — not allowing them to export the oil that they've done in the past to their other partners will continue to put pressure on them to cease hostilities."

But even among those who expressed support for Trump's handling of the conflict, questions remained about whether the Trump administration could end the conflict through negotiations.

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"I respect the hell out of President Trump," the AUSA Marne chapter member said. "I think he'll do what he can, it's best for our country, but I'm very skeptical that there's any type of brokered peace between us and Iran."