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Updated 2026-03-20 14:04 UTC
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The Memo: Frustrated Trump struggles against perception that he’s losing control of Iran war

What happened

President Trump is facing mounting criticism over the perception that he may be losing control of the war in Iran, which began nearly three weeks ago. The conflict, initiated jointly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was characterized as a war of choice. The situation has triggered global economic disruption, with energy prices surging and supply chains for critical materials like aluminum being affected.

Why people care
This represents a significant escalation in Middle East tensions with far-reaching global consequences. The conflict is causing energy market instability and supply chain disruptions that affect everything from fuel costs to fertilizer prices, while raising questions about U.S. foreign policy decision-making.
The takes
Critics say

Trump is losing control of a conflict he chose to initiate, despite earlier claims of having destroyed Iran's military capabilities. The war's expanding economic impact and duration suggest poor strategic planning and execution.

Supporters say

The economic disruptions are temporary consequences of necessary action against Iran. Military operations of this scale naturally face challenges, and early assessments of success may have been premature but don't reflect overall strategy failure.

Sources
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