Analysis: Trump fumes as top allies back down on his personal battles

"They ask for a meeting, some would say 'beg', talks begin, with more scheduled in the immediate future, and they say, openly and proudly, that they're not having any discussions," Trump wrote.If Iranians are misrepresenting the status of talks it wouldn't be the first time – but it also wouldn't be the first time Trump has seemingly taken their assurances at face value and heralded a new diplomatic breakthrough.The latest twists in the war have become a familiar pattern with little progress, as polls continue to show American disapproval of the conflict and concern that Trump is not achieving his war goals.Those recent public-opinion surveys suggest the war has become a growing drag on the president's overall popularity. A recent Associated Press poll puts Trump's approval at 33%, aligned with similar findings by CNN, Quinnipiac and YouGov. That matches or is below Trump's ratings after the Capitol riot and is above only Richard Nixon – who resigned from office in disgrace - among second-term US presidents in modern American history.Trump, however, has repeatedly dismissed surveys suggesting his historic unpopularity."My REAL Polling Numbers, not those made up by the Fake News Media, are the best they have ever been," he posted to Truth Social on Monday.In three months, voters will head to the polls for congressional midterm elections. And Trump has shown surprising strength at the ballot box in the past, even in the face of seemingly daunting poll numbers.While Trump may be grappling with – and, at times denying - recent adversity, that will be ultimate measure of his political fate. And if Republicans struggle, it may provide yet another reality that Trump, despite his best efforts, must eventially face.