Former US President Donald Trump has indicated that the ongoing war with Iran will end "immediately" after the US midterm elections, which are scheduled for November 3rd. Speaking to reporters while traveling to a Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, Trump suggested that Tehran was intentionally prolonging the conflict to keep fuel prices elevated in the lead-up to the election. He stated, "They'd like to have it that way," but added, "right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downward."
Trump's latest comments represent a shift from his initial predictions when the war began on February 28th, alongside Israel, where he had anticipated it would last only a few weeks. The conflict has now persisted for more than six months. A major point of contention has been Iran's ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the global fuel supply previously flowed.
Oil prices have significantly increased during the conflict, with Brent crude surpassing $100 per barrel for the first time in six weeks recently, driven by ongoing fighting and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. High energy and living costs are a primary economic concern for American voters ahead of the midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. Trump, whose approval ratings currently stand at about 33 percent, has consistently blamed inflation on his predecessor, Joe Biden, and campaigned on promises of reducing costs. He predicted that gasoline prices would eventually fall below $2 a gallon from the current national average above $4. Regarding new UK sanctions on Israeli settlements, Trump stated he would speak with Israel to understand their perspective, noting the US has not imposed similar measures.
