Iran war won't end until after crucial November elections, says Trump

US President Donald Trump has indicated that the Iran war is expected to conclude only after the midterm elections in November, suggesting that oil prices will not drop until then. Speaking in Texas during the party's first-ever midterm election convention, Trump stated that the conflict would cease immediately after the election as Iran cannot sustain it further.

He argued that short-term economic hardships were justified to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump faces declining poll numbers and internal Republican pressure to end the war in Iran. He claimed that Iran is "desperate to try and affect the election, so that we can get a nice weak group of people in there" and leave them alone to develop nuclear weapons.

However, there is no evidence provided to support this claim. Tehran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons. At the Texas convention, Trump reiterated these sentiments, asserting that oil prices would plummet once the war with Iran is won. He also acknowledged public discontent, stating that some Americans wish he had not initiated the war in Iran, citing rising gasoline prices.

Trump mentioned that further negotiations with Iran might occur, but he does not foresee this happening. Initially, the president forecasted that the war, now in its seventh month, would conclude relatively quickly. The ongoing conflict, along with its repercussions on fuel and groceries, has resulted in a significant drop in his approval ratings and prompted pressure from within his party, including some staunch supporters, to swiftly put an end to the war.

Midterm elections are scheduled for November 3rd, and Republicans may face the possibility of losing control over Congress. Fighting in the Middle East has escalated, with oil facilities targeted, causing a surge in global oil prices to $100 per barrel, the highest since July. US diesel prices reached their peak, potentially leading to a chain reaction of increased costs across the United States.

On Wednesday, the US military reported attacking five oil tanker ships linked to Iran, which Iran responded by targeting two US Navy destroyers and eight oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant damage. The previous day, Iran-linked Houthis in Yemen waged attacks on Saudi Arabia, igniting fires at oil facilities.

The renewed hostilities, following the 60-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, has sparked speculation that higher fuel costs could lead to increased interest rates in the US.