Iran standoff could leave Trump worse off than before he went to war
More than two months into a conflict with Iran, President Donald Trump faces a prolonged standoff that has failed to achieve key war objectives and risks worsening global economic conditions. Despite U.S. and Israeli strikes degrading Iran's military, Tehran remains defiant and retains leverage through control of the Strait of Hormuz. The unresolved crisis threatens Trump's political standing and could leave Iran in a stronger strategic position despite its weakened state.
- ▪The war has not achieved Trump's stated goals, including regime change or halting Iran's nuclear program.
- ▪Iran proposed a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while postponing nuclear talks, but Trump rejected it.
- ▪U.S. gasoline prices remain high due to disrupted oil shipping, contributing to declining public approval for Trump.
- ▪Iran has demonstrated its ability to trigger global energy shocks by closing the Strait of Hormuz.
- ▪Analysts warn that Iran may emerge from the conflict more emboldened, knowing it can disrupt oil flows even when weakened.
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Iran standoff could leave Trump worse off than before he went to warSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxFILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds a meeting in the Situation Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. June 21, 2025. The White House/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY/File PhotoPublished May 02, 2026, 01:04 PMUpdated May 02, 2026, 01:04 PMWASHINGTON, May 2 - More than two months into a conflict that has failed to deliver a decisive military or diplomatic win, President Donald Trump faces the risk that a standoff with Iran will drag on indefinitely and leave an even bigger problem for the U.S.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.