Six consequences of six months of war in Iran

The Iran war, dubbed a short trip by former President Donald Trump, has morphed into a protracted quagmire with far-reaching consequences six months after its inception. The conflict, which the White House initially anticipated concluding within four weeks, has proven far more enduring and complex.

One major consequence is the erosion of support from the start. A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that President Trump's approval rating plummeted from 40 percent to 33 percent during the war. This decline is attributed to rising gasoline prices, which have undermined his 2024 campaign promise to lower costs for Americans.

The conflict also had an immediate impact on the global economy. US and Israeli attacks triggered panic, causing oil prices to surge and sparking fears of an economic recession. Nevertheless, Iran's military and economy have suffered significant losses, yet Tehran retains the capacity to launch attacks and maintain the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed.

The war's impact on Iran's nuclear weapons program is another consequence. Strikes during a prior offensive in June 2025 and during the early stages of the current conflict have inflicted severe damage on three known Iranian uranium enrichment facilities and suspected weapons-related sites. Israeli attacks also claimed the lives of prominent nuclear scientists.

Nonetheless, the US military has incurred losses, with drones and aircraft destroyed due to Iranian strikes and other incidents. As of May, a Congressional Research Service report indicated that 42 US military aircraft have been lost in the conflict.