Global Media Echoes War’s Impact on Iran and International Relations

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, international media have extensively covered the consequences of the war against Iran, noting that not only were the stated objectives of the operations unmet, but Western officials and American media acknowledge a strategic stalemate and battlefield defeats imposed on the aggressors. This war, which began with widespread attacks and civilian casualties, including innocent students, has rapidly escalated into a conflict with extensive human, security, and economic dimensions, eliciting varied reactions across international media.

Global media outlets have each strived to shape the narrative of this war with their specific approaches. Examining these reflections can provide a clearer picture of the war’s actual state and its outlook.

English Media

Forbes magazine reported that according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday, Donald Trump’s approval rating has hit a record low of 31 percent, while Republicans are hearing worrying predictions about their performance in the midterm elections. Forbes noted that the poll, surveying 1,679 U.S. adults with a 2% margin of error, indicated Trump’s popularity had dropped one percentage point from its previous low of 32 percent, with disapproval rising by one percent to 66 percent.

In response to a question about which party they would vote for in the midterm elections, 47 percent chose Democrats and 35 percent chose Republicans. Forbes’ timeline of recent polls shows that in the Reuters/Ipsos poll on October 5th, Trump’s approval rating was 32 percent, and 44 percent of registered voters intended to vote for Democrats, while 37 percent planned to vote for Republicans. Fifty-two percent identified the cost of living as the most important issue ahead of the November elections.

A CBS/YouGov poll on October 4th showed Trump’s approval rating at 39 percent and disapproval at 61 percent. In an October 1st Associated Press-NORC poll, Trump’s economic approval rating was 26 percent and his overall approval was 31 percent, with 65 percent blaming Trump for high living costs. A Quinnipiac poll on September 29th indicated Trump’s approval rating at 34 percent and disapproval at 61 percent; his 31 percent approval on the economy was the lowest of his two presidential terms, and his 28 percent approval on managing the Iran situation matched his lowest record.

Forbes added that other polls show a similar downward trend: CNN/SSRS at 33 percent, PBS/NPR/Marist at 39 percent, Financial Times/Focaldata at 33 percent, NBC News at 36 percent, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst at 32 percent. In the recent poll, only 25 percent said Trump is managing the Iran war well, while 68 percent said he is not managing it well. Eighty-three percent of Americans believe the Iran war will continue for a ‘long time.’

Forbes writes that Trump began his second term with a 52 percent approval rating but experienced a sharp decline after the ‘Freedom Day’ tariffs last April and then with the commencement of the Iran war in late February. According to a Cook Political Report analysis, Democrats have a chance of regaining control of the House of Representatives and may also win seats in the Senate.

The Atlantic magazine, in an exclusive report by Vivian Salama and Ashley Parker, wrote that Donald Trump Jr. has privately expressed concerns and opposition to the Iran war in conversations, including with his father. According to the report, he presented a simplified foreign policy image for his father’s 2024 campaign: if Trump is elected, he will keep America out of new wars in the Middle East. He wrote on X in April of that year: ‘Remember when they said Trump would drag us into a full-blown war with Iran? Days like these should remind us all how lucky we were to have Trump, his strength and his will.’ However, two and a half years later, the President of the United States is embroiled in a full-blown war with Iran, and Trump Jr. is not satisfied with this situation. According to the report, two individuals who spoke directly with him about the war said Trump Jr. has repeatedly voiced his opposition to the ongoing Iran war in private conversations. He was opposed to the war from the outset and expressed his opposition to his father. These sources said he has long been skeptical of foreign intervention and believed the United States should not engage in new wars in the Middle East.

Arab Media

Al Jazeera, in an article, wrote that the Red Sea, due to its strategic location, plays a decisive role in the rise and fall of global powers. Portugal could not dominate this region in the 16th century, but Britain transformed it into the pillar of its empire by controlling Aden and the Suez Canal. The Suez Crisis in 1956 and Britain’s withdrawal paved the way for the rise of America.

Today, amidst the war in Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea has become a vital route for global energy transit and trade. Inexpensive drone and missile attacks have increased the cost of securing this route and exposed the vulnerability of extra-regional powers.

Saudi Arabia is seeking to strengthen regional security by establishing the Council of Arab and African Coastal States and forming a 14-country maritime defense coalition. Furthermore, the East-West pipeline facilitates oil transport to Yanbu. The author believes Riyadh is striving to leverage its geographical position to become an operational power and assume leadership in Red Sea security.

Rai al-Youm, in an article, wrote that the confrontation between the United States and Iran has reached a critical stage, with two options facing both parties: a political agreement or an all-out war. Recent understandings between the U.S. and China and Russia on various issues, particularly Iran, have increased the likelihood of reaching an agreement. In its view, reduced intelligence and logistical support from Beijing and Moscow could push Tehran to accept concessions regarding its nuclear program, missile capabilities, regional allied groups, and the security of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran is also facing economic problems and internal pressures, and a return to a large-scale war could threaten the regime’s survival. The author considers a balanced agreement an opportunity for Iran’s reintegration into the region, strengthening cooperation with Arab countries, and reducing tensions. Conversely, Israel might be the biggest loser of such an agreement, as it could lead to the weakening of its military superiority and expansionist policies. From the author’s perspective, a political resolution to the Iran crisis could pave the way for the region to refocus on the Palestinian issue and contain Israel’s aggressive actions.

Al Mayadeen, in an article, wrote that the electoral competition between Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz is less about choosing between war and peace and more about the ability to manage regional conflicts more effectively. Israeli society is gradually moving away from David Ben-Gurion’s view, which saw military power as a tool for security and development, towards an approach that regards war and violence as part of national identity. The shock of October 7th has accelerated this shift. The implications of this change for the region include:

Reduced opportunities for compromise: When conflict becomes part of national identity, political agreements are perceived as a retreat rather than an opportunity.

Normalization of prolonged wars: Multi-front and continuous wars may become a commonplace reality, reducing internal pressure to end them.

Redefinition of regional security: Regional countries will be compelled to adapt their defense strategies to the potential for continued war and Israeli militarization.

Decline of the economic peace hypothesis: Normalization of relations, investment, and technological cooperation alone cannot create stability.

The author concludes that the main danger is not merely the outbreak of a new war, but the transformation of war into a permanent and accepted state within Israeli society—a development that could confront the Middle East with decades of endless conflict.

Russian and Chinese Media

RT network reported that Washington has suspended arms and ammunition sales to its allies to meet the needs of U.S. arsenals, an action that, according to analysts, reflects the consequences of the U.S. war against Iran and the priorities of Donald Trump’s administration.

Kamran Gasanov, a professor of political science at the University of Salzburg and a lecturer at Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia and the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, stated that the U.S. is facing ammunition shortages after the war with Iran and is preparing for potential renewed conflict with Tehran, even if it refrains from initiating a new war.

This analyst emphasized that Washington’s decision once again demonstrates the ‘America First’ policy, where U.S. interests take precedence over its commitments to allies. According to him, relations between Washington and Europe have once again encountered disagreements after a period of agreement on supporting Ukraine and imposing sanctions against Russia.

Gasanov added that the consequences of the Iran war and Trump’s criticisms of European countries have exacerbated the rift between the two sides of the Atlantic. Europe’s concern over reduced U.S. support for Ukraine and European leaders’ efforts to demonstrate continued support for Kyiv have also added to the complexity of these relations.

The Global Times newspaper reported that widespread protests in France over rising living costs, pressure on public services, and declining purchasing power are indicative of intensifying economic and social crises in Europe. These crises, exacerbated by increased energy prices following the U.S. and Israeli regime’s war against Iran, could broaden in scope.

According to the report, the October 17th protests in Paris and several other French cities were accompanied by clashes, looting, and fires. The French Interior Minister reported the arrest of approximately 1,200 individuals and the injury of 150 police and gendarmerie officers. The number of participants was estimated at around 550,000 according to official figures and 800,000 according to organizers. Chinese experts attribute the unrest to weak economic growth, budget deficits, government debt, and dissatisfaction with the state of education and healthcare services. However, rising energy prices and potential disruptions in global oil markets following the war against Iran will place additional pressure on European economies and could intensify public discontent.

The Global Times report emphasizes that similar protests are occurring in Italy and Belgium, signaling shared pressures on European governments. Although these protests lack unified organization, the continuation of the energy crisis and the cost of living could extend the economic and political consequences of the war into Europe.