Trump veers from boredom to denial after 6 months of war on Iran

Six months after initiating what was expected to be a swift military action, U.S. President Donald Trump seems to have lost interest in the ongoing conflict with Iran, dedicating more attention to his White House renovations than to the war itself. During a recent impromptu press conference, Trump spoke extensively about his helipad, ballroom, and granite paving stones, mentioning Iran only three times while using the word "granite" 13 times.

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Right now, the situation is so good.

The war, which began on February 28, has taken a significant toll, with at least 18 U.S. service members killed and over 750 wounded, according to Pentagon figures. Thousands of casualties have also been reported in Iran and Lebanon. The conflict's repercussions are increasingly felt by American voters, who are concerned about its impact on the cost of living, especially with crucial midterm elections approaching. Even supporters of Trump's "Make America Great Again" agenda are questioning his decision to engage in a new foreign war, contrary to his past promises.

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Is there a rabbit in the hat? No, I think the hat is empty.

Trump's public approval ratings have declined since his return to office in 2025, with a noticeable acceleration after the U.S. and Israel entered the war with Iran. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from August 14-17 showed his approval rating at 33 percent, the lowest point of his current term. Other major surveys also indicate a negative trend in public perception.

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Frankly, I thought they started to get very boring.

Initially envisioned as a quick victory akin to the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the Iran conflict has become a protracted struggle. Despite Trump's early declaration of "total and complete victory" following a ceasefire in April, Iran's refusal to capitulate has led to shifting U.S. strategies, from military pressure to economic sanctions. Trump himself has expressed frustration, describing the stalled negotiations as "very boring" back in June. Foreign policy experts suggest Trump's characteristic short attention span and his initial belief in a rapid show of force have left him without an easy exit strategy from the current "quagmire."

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He was convinced that he could repeat a little bit what happened with Venezuela, a rapid show of force. I think now he’s in a position where there is no easy exit.