US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the ongoing conflict with Iran is unlikely to conclude until after the November midterm elections, predicting that energy markets will remain elevated until that time. Speaking to reporters while traveling to Texas, the president asserted that authorities in Tehran intend to prolong the fighting to influence the upcoming congressional race. He offered no evidence to substantiate the claim that the Iranian government is attempting to sway the American vote.
The war has now entered its seventh month, significantly exceeding initial White House estimates that the campaign would wrap up within a few weeks. The protracted hostilities have strained the global energy market, pushing crude past one hundred dollars a barrel on Wednesday for the first time since July. Domestic diesel prices have also reached record highs, generating broad economic pressures that have contributed to a noticeable drop in the administration's public approval ratings.
The economic fallout has created political friction within the Republican Party, with lawmakers and core supporters increasingly urging a swift resolution to the hostilities. Facing the historical trend in which a sitting president's party typically loses ground in midterm cycles, Republicans are currently at risk of surrendering their congressional majority in the November 3 vote. Trump traveled to Texas to deliver a speech at the party's inaugural midterm convention, aiming to rally the base despite voter frustration over rising fuel and grocery expenses.
During his address, the president defended the economic costs of the military campaign, arguing that short-term financial hardship is necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. Iranian officials have consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that their atomic program is entirely peaceful. Trump acknowledged that citizens frequently approach him to complain about soaring gasoline prices resulting from the conflict, but he insisted the financial strain will ease once the fighting concludes.
Military engagements in the Middle East have escalated sharply in recent days following the expiration of a temporary ceasefire last month. The United States military reported striking five oil tankers linked to Iran, while Iranian state media stated that retaliation involved attacks on two US naval destroyers and additional tankers within the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, Yemen-based Houthi forces launched strikes against infrastructure in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week, sparking large fires at regional petroleum facilities.
Although the president mentioned that future diplomatic talks with Tehran remain a theoretical possibility, he indicated that negotiations are not currently a priority. The mounting regional instability and rising energy expenses have also fueled expectations that central bankers might respond by raising interest rates to combat inflation. As the midterm contest approaches, the administration faces mounting pressure from both the electorate and party members to navigate the spiraling economic and military challenges.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
