WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has predicted that the ongoing US-Iran war will end “immediately” after the November midterm elections, while claiming that Tehran is deliberately prolonging the conflict in an attempt to influence the outcome of the polls.
Speaking to reporters before leaving for a Republican gathering in Dallas, Trump launched a fresh attack on Iran and said the country would not be able to sustain the war for much longer.
“Iran is desperate to influence the election,” Trump said, arguing that Tehran was hoping for a change in US leadership before pursuing its nuclear ambitions.
Trump links oil prices to elections
The prolonged conflict has pushed global crude oil prices above $100 a barrel, adding to concerns over fuel prices and inflation.
Trump said oil prices were unlikely to see a significant decline before the November elections but predicted a sharp fall once the polls were over.
War enters seventh month
The military operation, which Trump had earlier suggested could be completed within weeks, has now entered its seventh month.
Trump claimed that the US military was ahead of schedule and had destroyed most of Iran’s key military positions.
However, the prolonged conflict has raised concerns within the administration, with senior White House advisers reportedly worried that the war could continue until the end of Trump’s presidential term.
Trump’s latest comments come amid continuing military tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the conflict also fuelling uncertainty in global energy markets.
