U.S. President Donald Trump has said he does not regret entering the war against Iran, despite concerns that the conflict could affect Republican prospects in the November midterm elections.
In an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Trump was asked whether he regretted the decision because of its potential impact on the elections.
“I don’t believe in the word ‘regret’. You can always question yourself a little bit,” Trump said.
Asked whether he would make the same decision again, Trump replied: “If I had to do it again, I would do exactly what I did.”
Trump rejected suggestions that some of his supporters had become frustrated or demoralized by the conflict.
“I don’t think they’re demoralized. I think they’re very proud of the fact that I’m not allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons,” he said.
Trump also reiterated his claim that the war would end immediately after the midterm elections, which are scheduled for November.
“It ends right after the election,” Trump said, repeating comments he made a day earlier. He has also accused Tehran of attempting to influence the elections, which will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress.
Rising oil and gas prices linked to the war have emerged as a growing political issue for Republicans ahead of the vote, with higher energy costs potentially adding to economic pressure on American households.
The United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran on February 28, while Tehran responded with strikes against Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases. The wider conflict has killed thousands of people and displaced millions, according to the report.
Trump has repeatedly cited the weakening of Iran’s nuclear capabilities as a central objective of the war. Iran does not possess nuclear weapons and maintains that its uranium-enrichment program is intended for peaceful purposes.
