Trump faces mounting challenges as Iran war drags into fifth month

Daijiworld Media Network - Washington Washington, Jul 26: US President Donald Trump is facing mounting political and military challenges as the conflict with Iran enters its fifth month, with key objectives remaining unfulfilled and concerns growing over the costs of a prolonged war. Trump had projected confidence at the outset of the campaign, arguing that his unpredictable approach to foreign policy kept both allies and adversaries off balance. He had cited previous military actions, including strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as examples of his willingness to take bold decisions that previous US presidents had avoided. However, analysts say the conflict with Iran has exposed the limits of US military and political power. Since launching full-scale combat operations on Feb. 28, the administration has sought to dismantle Iran's nuclear programme and bring about regime change in Tehran. Nearly five months later, neither objective has been achieved. Trump had hoped to replicate what he described as the "Venezuela model" by installing a government in Iran more favourable to US interests. Intelligence assessments, however, have reportedly warned that renewed large-scale military operations are unlikely to produce the desired outcome, making the administration more cautious about further escalation. The prolonged conflict has also had significant economic consequences. Global oil prices have remained volatile, while uncertainty in energy markets has affected investor confidence and stock markets. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transit routes, has slowed sharply after a brief period of recovery. At the same time, concerns have grown over a second maritime bottleneck between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, raising fears of further disruption to global trade. Although Trump has threatened to target Iran's Kharg Island oil export terminal and seize its underground stockpiles of enriched uranium, he has publicly acknowledged that there is little domestic support for deploying US ground troops in Iran. With no clear military breakthrough and diplomatic efforts continuing, the conflict has become one of the defining challenges of Trump's presidency, testing both his foreign policy strategy and political standing at home as the United States approaches the midterm elections.