Iran war: Why Tehran sees Trump’s midterms as its next battlefield

The Iran war may conclude "immediately after" America's November 3 midterm elections, according to Donald Trump. Iran appears to be closely monitoring this date, as it intensifies pressure on the United States, tightening restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and launching attacks on US military assets. Analysts suggest that Iran is attempting to raise the political and economic cost of the war around the time Trump can least afford it.

With Iran having shown little inclination to back down or seek a rapid diplomatic exit, Tehran has expanded a prohibited zone in the Hormuz Strait, targeted ships attempting to cross it, and attacked a US military base in Jordan. President Trump made the electoral calendar explicit, stating that he believes the war will end shortly after the midterm elections, arguing that Iran cannot hold out any longer.

However, Iran may view the same calendar and draw the opposite conclusion, using it to its advantage in the final weeks before voting.