Columnist Andrew Neil argues that, 150 days after the US and Israel began air strikes on Iran, President Trump has failed to achieve the campaign’s stated aims and now faces increasingly difficult choices. He says Iran’s government remains in power, its military still threatens US bases and regional allies, and there has been no agreement requiring Tehran to abandon nuclear ambitions; the conflict has also disrupted energy markets and damaged Trump politically.

Neil reports claims from an unnamed Trump confidant that the President’s physical and mental health are visibly deteriorating, presenting this as a concern among those close to him rather than established fact. The article says Iran has gained leverage by controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil, gas and other commodities, while a reported secret US effort to restart peace talks was rejected; it also suggests Washington is hardening its rhetoric amid discussion of a possible ground invasion.