US President Donald Trump is heading towards November’s midterm elections with several major international crises unresolved, as the Iran war remains locked in a costly standoff and conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza continue.
The situation presents a challenge for Trump, who returned to the White House last year promising to act as a “peacemaker” and made ending international conflicts a central part of his second-term foreign policy agenda.
The continuing war with Iran has added to the pressure, while efforts to secure breakthroughs in Ukraine and Gaza have yet to produce lasting settlements.
Trump has also appeared increasingly frustrated by questions about his foreign policy. This week, he criticised reporters pressing him on international issues and renewed a threat to bomb Oman, despite the US ally’s role in negotiations with Iran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The foreign policy difficulties could carry domestic political consequences as campaigning intensifies ahead of the November midterm elections.
With Labour Day on September 7 traditionally marking the point when US election campaigns move into high gear, Republicans face concerns that prolonged overseas conflicts and their economic impact at home could hurt the party’s chances of retaining control of Congress.