Trump Predicts End to Iran Conflict After Midterm Elections

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he believes the conflict with Iran will conclude "immediately" after the upcoming midterm elections in November. Trump alleged that Tehran is attempting to influence the American elections and asserted that Iran "will not be able to last much longer."

Speaking to reporters before heading to Dallas for a Republican Party conference, Trump predicted the "war" would end "an hour after the elections," reiterating his belief that Iran's attempts to interfere would ultimately fail. He also suggested that oil prices, which have risen amid the conflict, are unlikely to decrease before the elections but are expected to fall directly afterward.

Trump's remarks followed Brent crude oil surpassing $100 a barrel for the first time since July, with prices increasing over 3% due to the escalating confrontation between the U.S. and Iran. European natural gas also reached its highest levels since early 2023. The rising costs of gasoline and diesel fuel are a concern for the Republican Party, potentially impacting their performance in the midterm elections, which will determine control of the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate.

Trump also mentioned that U.S. forces have conducted attacks on nine Iranian vessels, promising "you will see more of them." He stated Iran's sole objective is a nuclear weapon, and while the U.S. is "not looking for a deal," he did not rule out future negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

This comes as the conflict, initially predicted by Trump to last weeks, has now entered its seventh month with ongoing reciprocal strikes and increased targeting of U.S. interests and forces in the region. In a separate matter, Trump indicated he would discuss British sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank with Israeli officials. Israeli reports suggest the Trump administration did not oppose or attempt to block the British initiative, and that British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had informed Trump of the move in advance without seeking its withdrawal.