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.