Iran war won't end until after crucial November elections, says Trump

What the report says

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the war with Iran is unlikely to end until after the November midterm elections, and he predicted oil prices would fall only after that vote. According to BBC World News, Trump made the remarks while traveling to Texas for a Republican election convention, where he was trying to energize party supporters ahead of the contests that could shift control of Congress.

BBC reported that Trump linked the conflict to rising fuel costs and suggested Iran was trying to influence the election, but he gave no evidence for that claim. He also said Tehran could not continue the fighting for much longer and that any renewed talks with Iran were possible, though not being actively pursued.

The comments came as the Middle East conflict intensified and fuel markets moved higher. BBC noted that oil prices reached $100 a barrel on Wednesday, the first time since July, and that the fighting has added pressure on prices for gasoline and other goods that depend on shipping. The article also said Trump has faced falling approval ratings and criticism within his own party over the war and its economic effects.

Contextually, midterm elections in the US are often difficult for the party holding the White House, and Republicans are at risk of losing their congressional majority. BBC said the war is now in its seventh month, after Trump originally predicted it would last only weeks.