In brief
Donald Trump recently bluntly stated that Iran’s war would only end after the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, arguing that oil prices would fall once the war is over. He made the remarks while traveling to Texas for a Republican Party convention, stressing the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The U.S. has been hitting Iranian tankers and blockading ports, while Iran and allied groups respond with missiles and drones. The conflict has pushed global crude over $100 per barrel, adding pressure to the domestic political debate. With the midterms looming, Trump’s comments add fresh tension to an already volatile geopolitical scene.
President Donald Trump said the war with Iran would not end until after America’s November midterm elections, and claimed oil prices would drop once the conflict is over.
Trump made the remarks while traveling to Texas for the GOP’s first midterm convention, stressing that the short‑term cost of higher gasoline should be accepted to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons.
The U.S. has targeted Iranian oil tankers and imposed a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by attacking U.S. warships and striking Iranian forces on U.S. bases.
Oil prices have climbed above $100 a barrel for the third time in six months, largely due to attacks on Gulf of Oman sea lanes. The conflict threatens global supply chains and could push prices higher still, exerting economic pressure on U.S. households.
Trump added that Iran was “trying” to influence the election so the U.S. could replace its current leadership with a weaker team that might give Iran its nuclear ambitions, an assertion that Tehran has denied.
While the U.S. remains ready to launch more strikes, Trump stated further negotiations with Iran were unlikely at this stage, citing the need to protect national security.
The midterm elections, scheduled for 3 November, are critical to the political fortunes of the Republican and Democratic parties. History shows a president’s own party often loses seats in Congress at such elections, raising stakes for Trump’s campaign.
