Trump says Iran may be unable to sustain the conflict much longer as oil prices approach $100 a barrel amid escalating regional hostilities.
US President Donald Trump has said the war with Iran could continue until after the November midterm elections, while predicting that oil prices will fall sharply once the conflict ends.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday while travelling to Texas for the Republican Party’s first midterm election convention, Trump said he believed Iran would not be able to sustain the conflict for much longer.
“I think the war’s going to end immediately after the election because they can’t hold out any longer,” Trump said.
Trump also linked the conflict to rising energy costs, saying oil prices would begin falling after the midterm elections. Crude prices climbed to around $100 a barrel on Wednesday, their highest level since July, amid escalating fighting across the Middle East.
“Right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downward,” Trump said, adding that the decline could take longer than the end of the midterm elections.
The president accused Iran of attempting to influence the US election by seeking what he described as a weaker group of lawmakers in Washington. He provided no evidence for the allegation. Tehran has repeatedly rejected claims that it is pursuing nuclear weapons.
Speaking at the Republican gathering in Texas, Trump again promised lower energy prices after what he described as victory in the war with Iran. He acknowledged that some Americans have expressed frustration over the conflict because of higher gasoline prices.
The comments come as Trump faces growing political pressure to bring the conflict to an end. The war has entered its seventh month, despite his earlier prediction that it would last only a few weeks. Rising fuel and other living costs have contributed to declining approval ratings and criticism from some members of his own Republican Party.
The Nov. 3 midterm elections could determine control of Congress. Republicans currently control both chambers but face the possibility of losing seats, following the historical trend of the president’s party suffering losses during midterm elections.
Meanwhile, fighting across the region has intensified, adding pressure to global energy markets. Several oil facilities have reportedly come under attack, while disruptions to shipping routes have increased fuel and other transportation costs.
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