There is no immediate end in sight to the US-Iran stalemate, as the conflict has entered "a Cold War-like phase, with financial sanctions, gunboat interdictions, and talks about having talks", Axios reported, citing US officials.

The officials expressed concern that the US is being drawn into a frozen conflict of no war and no deal, the report said, adding that in this case, Washington would have to keep its forces in the region for many more months.

If that were to happen, the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed, the US blockade would continue, and both sides would carry on waiting for the other to “blink or fire first", the report on Tuesday said.

US President Donald Trump is undecided on whether to launch new military strikes or wait to see if his "maximum pressure" financial sanctions will bring Iran to the negotiating table, the report said.

With the November midterm elections now six months away, "a frozen conflict is the worst thing for Trump politically and economically", one official close to the president told Axios.

"I would describe him as frustrated but realistic," the official said. "He doesn't want to use force. But he's not backing down."

Meanwhile, Qatar also cautioned against the possibility of a "frozen conflict" in the Gulf, as talks between the US and Iran for a peace deal appeared at an impasse.

"We do not want to see a return to hostilities in the region anytime soon; we do not want to see a frozen conflict that ends up being thawed every time there is a political reason," Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said at a press conference.

The Axios report said that some of Trump’s senior advisers are urging him to maintain the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for now and increase economic sanctions on Iran before considering further bombing.

On Monday, Trump discussed Iran’s proposal with his national security team. Iran offered to negotiate reopening the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade on Iranian shipping.

According to the report, no decisions were made as Trump seemed unlikely to accept the offer, as it could delay negotiations over dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme, his “chief reason” for attacking Iran.