Trump Says Iran War Could End After US Elections as Tehran Vows to Keep Fighting

US President Donald Trump has said the ongoing conflict with Iran could end immediately after the US midterm elections in November, while Tehran has warned that it is prepared for an even more intense confrontation if American attacks continue. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said he expected the war to end after the November 3 elections. He claimed Iran was attempting to influence the US vote but would not be able to sustain the conflict under mounting American economic pressure.

Trump also predicted that oil prices would fall after the election if the conflict comes to an end. His comments came as energy markets faced renewed uncertainty following a fresh escalation between Washington and Tehran. The conflict has now entered its seventh month, with fighting recently intensifying around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iran said it had attacked 10 ships in the area after the United States destroyed five Iranian oil tankers. The latest confrontation pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.

Iran, however, appears to be preparing for a prolonged confrontation rather than an immediate settlement. A senior Iranian official said Tehran would increase its counterattacks if the United States continued targeting Iranian territory and infrastructure. The official also said Iran was not prepared to back down in response to the US naval blockade and attacks on its oil tankers. Tehran believes it has sufficient missile capabilities to continue fighting for an extended period, according to the official.

The latest escalation has also raised concerns over shipping and energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz is a major global oil transit route, meaning prolonged disruption could affect fuel prices and inflation well beyond the Middle East. Trump acknowledged that negotiations with Iran remain possible, but said Washington was not currently pursuing another round of talks. Previous diplomatic efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire have failed to produce a permanent settlement.

The timing of Trump's comments is also significant because Republicans are facing the November midterm elections with narrow congressional majorities. Rising fuel prices and public frustration over the prolonged conflict have increased political pressure on the administration. Reuters has reported that senior Trump advisers have been concerned about keeping the conflict from escalating ahead of the vote.

Despite Trump's confidence that the fighting will end after the election, there is no confirmed agreement between Washington and Tehran that would guarantee such an outcome. Recent statements from Iranian officials instead suggest that the two sides remain far apart. The conflict continues to put pressure on global energy markets while the United States and Iran remain locked in a confrontation with no clear diplomatic breakthrough in sight.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.