Trump predicts Iran war ends after midterms
On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump told reporters in Texas that the ongoing conflict with Iran would not cease until after the November midterm election, foreseeing a sharp drop in oil prices afterward.
He said, "I think the war’s going to end immediately after the election because they can’t hold out any longer," adding that the balance of power in Congress could change.
Trump faced falling polling numbers and pressure from GOP hardliners to end the war, noting the current fighting had pushed oil up to $100 a barrel for the first time since July. He linked this to increased attacks on Middle Eastern oil facilities, including five tanker strikes by U.S. forces and retaliatory naval incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.
He also claimed Iran was eager to "affect the election" to weaken U.S. influence, a statement lacking corroboration as Tehran denies possessing nuclear weapons.
Despite the weight of his words, Trump said "further negotiations with Iran could possibly happen, but it’s not something we’re looking at."
The midterm elections on 3 November may see Republicans losing control of Congress, a scenario historically common for a sitting president’s party.
The conflict’s escalation also raises concerns that rising fuel costs could push U.S. interest rates higher, with broader economic impacts.
For more details on the spike in oil prices, see Oil hits $100 a barrel for first time since July after US and Houthi strikes.
