Despite repeated claims of strategic victories in Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump now faces growing questions about whether he is losing the war. A Reuters analysis reports that after months of military pressure, Iran’s regional influence, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and nuclear program remain largely intact, casting doubt on Washington’s assertions of success.

Analysts note that while early U.S. and Israeli airstrikes damaged Iran’s missile stockpiles and naval assets, Tehran quickly retaliated by disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and launching attacks in Israel and Gulf states. Trump’s initial promise of achieving objectives within six weeks has not materialized, and diplomatic deadlock has deepened uncertainty. Former U.S. diplomat Aaron David Miller described the conflict as shifting from a short-term success to a long-term strategic failure.

The war has also triggered domestic political pressure in the United States, with rising fuel prices and declining popularity ahead of midterm elections. Meanwhile, European allies have refused to join the campaign, and China and Russia are reportedly studying U.S. military limitations. Analysts warn that the conflict could push Iran to accelerate its nuclear ambitions.