US President Donald Trump has predicted that the war with Iran will end “immediately after” the US midterm elections in November, claiming that Tehran is attempting to influence the election outcome but will not be able to withstand continued US economic pressure.
“I think the war will end immediately after the election, because they can’t resist anymore. They’re desperate and they’re trying to influence the election,” Trump said on Wednesday before departing for Dallas to attend the Republican National Convention.
The conflict between the United States and Iran has now entered its seventh month, with no clear signs that an end to the fighting is imminent.
Tensions escalated again on Wednesday after Iran said it had attacked 10 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, following the US sinking of five Iranian oil tankers.
The renewed fighting also sent shockwaves through energy markets, pushing oil prices sharply higher. Brent crude futures rose above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.
Trump’s remarks come at a difficult moment for the US president, as his approval ratings have fallen to their lowest recorded levels amid voter concerns over the war with Iran and the worsening cost-of-living crisis.
The US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3 and are traditionally viewed as a political referendum on the sitting president and his administration.
Trump also predicted that oil prices would fall immediately after the election, arguing that an end to the war would ease pressure on global energy markets.
However, the president acknowledged that a diplomatic solution through negotiations remains possible, although he made clear that this is not the path his administration is currently pursuing.
“Yes, a negotiation could happen, but it’s not something we’re considering,” Trump said.
