From BBC News · · 1 min
Trump ties Iran war end to US midterms
Donald Trump says the conflict with Iran will stretch until after the November elections, even as high oil prices strain US voters.
In brief
Donald Trump says the conflict with Iran will stretch until after the November elections, even as high oil prices strain US voters. Trump expects the US war with Iran and high fuel prices to persist until after the November midterms, despite mounting economic and political strain. Originally reported by BBC News.
War tied to November midterms
President Trump stated the conflict with Iran will likely continue until after the US midterm elections in November, arguing Tehran cannot hold out much longer.
“I think the war's going to end immediately after the election because they can't hold out any longer”
Blaming election politics for gas prices
Trump claimed Iran is dragging out the conflict to influence the election in favor of Democrats. He promised energy costs would drop sharply once the war concludes.
“Right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downward”
Political pressure builds on Trump
The seven-month war has dragged down Trump's approval ratings. Republican candidates face growing pressure from voters frustrated by high gas and grocery bills.
“Guys come up to me and say, 'I wish you didn't do the war in Iran. Now gasoline is up'”
Military strikes escalate at sea
Fighting flared as the US military targeted five Iranian-linked tankers. Tehran retaliated by attacking two US destroyers and eight tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil hits $100 a barrel
Global crude prices reached $100 a barrel for the first time since July. Record US diesel prices threaten to drive up shipping costs and trigger higher interest rates.
The short version
Trump expects the US war with Iran and high fuel prices to persist until after the November midterms, despite mounting economic and political strain.
