The Memo: Despite Trump’s claims, Iran war is doing him damage

A new round of peace talks on Iran is tentatively set for this week in Islamabad, Pakistan — but there is growing evidence that President Trump has sustained political injury from the conflict that will not be easily undone.

Trump and key allies like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insist that the U.S. military has already won a great victory in Iran. American and Israeli bombardments have, to be sure, inflicted serious damage on the Islamic Republic, especially its navy and air force.

But the question of strategic victory is a very different one — especially since Iran has displayed an ability to block the vital Strait of Hormuz, sending oil and gas prices to levels far above their prewar range.

Then there are the political ramifications at home.

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles was reported to be meeting with Republican strategists on Monday to help plot out a course in advance of the midterms. But Democrats believe they have the momentum — and that Trump’s Iran war has added to it.

“The Republicans have no message,” said Democratic strategist Mark Longabaugh. “Their whole message is defending a war that nobody wants and nobody approves of.”

For the moment, Trump continues to proclaim success — though often in a conspicuously defensive tone.

“I’m winning a War, BY A LOT, things are going very well,” Trump insisted on social media early Monday afternoon.

He immediately went on to disparage major news organizations — The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post — for coverage that, he contended, would lead readers to “actually think we are losing the War.”

But a new poll from NBC News released Sunday found Trump’s approval rating at the lowest point of his second term. Just 37 percent of surveyed adults support his performance in office so far, while........

© The Hill