President Donald Trump returns to the United Nations facing skepticism over a six-month conflict with Iran, rising regional instability and a nuclear threat that experts say has not been eliminated. Iran has obstructed oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, while its Houthi allies in Yemen have seized territory and islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major Red Sea shipping route, increasing pressure on global energy supplies. The developments have complicated Trump’s military and economic strategy, strained confidence among Gulf states and alienated many European and Asian allies. With US gasoline prices high and approval ratings low, the conflict could affect Republican control of Congress in November’s midterm elections. Trump is expected to describe the campaign as a success even though it has settled into an uneasy stalemate, depleted Pentagon missile stockpiles and failed to meet his shifting objectives. Experts dispute his claims that Iran was close to producing a nuclear weapon and say the June 2025 US strikes seriously delayed, but did not eliminate, Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. The White House says Trump achieved all his objectives, while analysts warn the war could continue beyond the midterm elections.