Trump Predicts Swift End to Iran Conflict Post-Midterms
President Donald Trump publicly declared that the military conflict with Iran would conclude immediately after the upcoming November midterm elections. This assertion comes as global oil prices surged to $100 a barrel, fueled by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters before departing for a Republican pre-midterm convention in Texas, Trump stated, "I think the war’s going to end immediately after the election because they can’t hold out any longer." He further added that while diplomatic talks remain a possibility, "it's not something we're looking at." Trump accused Tehran of attempting to influence the vote, claiming, "They are desperate to try and affect the election, so that we can get a nice weak group of people in there and leave them alone and let them have their nuclear weapon." Tehran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons.
Oil Prices Soar Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Global oil prices reached $100 a barrel on September 10, marking the first time since July. This significant jump was triggered by a sharp escalation in fighting across the Middle East. The US military reported striking five oil tankers tied to Iran, which prompted Tehran to claim "heavy damage" on two US Navy destroyers and eight tankers operating in the critical Strait of Hormuz.
These retaliatory actions followed Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities just a day earlier, effectively ending a 60-day ceasefire and raising fears of higher US interest rates. The compounding economic fallout, visible in rising gas and grocery prices, has contributed to a steep decline in Trump’s approval ratings and mounted pressure from Republicans to conclude the seven-month conflict, which Trump had initially claimed would last only a few weeks.
Advisers Warn of Prolonged Conflict Until 2029
Despite President Trump’s public optimism regarding a swift resolution, his inner circle reportedly paints a far more protracted picture behind closed doors. According to a Wall Street Journal report, White House officials have warned that the conflict could potentially drag on through the remainder of Trump's presidency, lasting until Inauguration Day in January 2029.
Top White House advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have privately cautioned the president in Oval Office and Situation Room discussions. They suggest that Tehran could resist US pressure much longer than initially anticipated, contradicting Trump's public assurances of an imminent end to hostilities.