US President Donald Trump stated that he believes the Iran war will not end until after the November midterm elections. He indicated that oil prices will remain high until then, claiming, "I think the war's going to end immediately after the election because they can't hold out any longer." Trump made these remarks while traveling to Texas for a Republican convention, where he reiterated his stance that short-term economic difficulties are acceptable to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Trump's comments come as he faces declining polling numbers and pressure from within the Republican Party to conclude the conflict with Iran. He suggested that oil prices would decrease "right after the election," although he acknowledged that it might take longer than the midterm elections for prices to fall.
He also claimed that Iran is attempting to influence the elections to install a weaker administration, referring to the Democrats. Trump did not provide evidence for this assertion, and Tehran has denied seeking nuclear weapons.
During his speech at the convention, he mentioned that dissatisfaction with the war has been expressed by some Americans, particularly regarding rising gasoline prices. Trump stated that negotiations with Iran could occur, but they are not currently a priority.
The ongoing conflict, which has lasted for seven months, has affected Trump's approval ratings and increased calls from his supporters to end the war. The midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, and Republicans risk losing control of Congress.
In recent days, fighting in the Middle East has escalated, with attacks on oil facilities leading to a rise in global fuel prices. On the day of Trump's comments, oil prices reached $100 a barrel for the first time since July, and US diesel prices hit an all-time high. The US military reported attacks on Iranian-linked oil tanker ships, while Iran responded with strikes on US Navy destroyers and oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has intensified following the expiration of a 60-day ceasefire last month, raising concerns that rising fuel costs could lead to increased interest rates in the US.