As Iran war grinds on, Trump to face skeptical world leaders at UN

As the Iran conflict drags on, President Donald Trump prepares to face skeptical world leaders at the United Nations. A year ago, Trump claimed that US bombings of Iran's nuclear sites had "totally obliterated everything" and brought peace between Israel and Iran. However, six months of war have only deepened Trump's problems, strained US alliances, and exposed the limits of Washington's ability to protect allies.

Tehran, despite being battered militarily and economically, has remained defiant. It has obstructed oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and gained new leverage as its Houthi allies in Yemen tighten their grip on the Red Sea chokepoint, pushing global energy prices higher. The rapid advance by the Houthi militants has put Trump in a difficult position, hurting US ally Saudi Arabia and highlighting the US's limited ability to safeguard regional partners.

Many European and Asian allies have refused to assist Trump's unpopular conflict, which has caused economic damage to their regions. With high gasoline prices and low approval ratings, Trump faces potential electoral consequences in November's midterm elections when his Republican Party's control of Congress is at risk.

Trump will likely frame the military campaign as a victory, as he had promised it would be over in weeks. The conflict has instead become an uneasy stalemate, failing to achieve shifting goals while exhausting Pentagon missile stockpiles. The US is now focused on security interests, such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, while empowering regional partners to manage and resolve security challenges.

Iran's recent breakthrough in the conflict has complicated Trump's efforts to find a way out. The US is in a battle of attrition, trying to intensify economic pressure on Tehran while facing a seventh month of war. Trump believes the conflict may continue beyond the midterm elections, with Iran retaining leverage to damage him politically.