Trump Predicts Iran War Will End After US Midterm Elections
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has predicted that the ongoing war with Iran could come to an end shortly after the November midterm elections, while also forecasting a sharp decline in oil prices once the conflict is over.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said Iran would not be able to sustain the conflict indefinitely and suggested that the war could end soon after Americans vote in the midterm elections.
Trum’p also linked the recent surge in global oil prices to the conflict, saying crude prices could fall rapidly once hostilities subside. His remarks came as Brent crude climbed above $100 a barrel amid growing concerns over disruptions to energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported Brent settling at around $101.21 a barrel on September 9.
Trump Signals Room for Broader Iran Deal
The US president also indicated that Washington remains open to negotiations with Tehran, but said he would seek a broader agreement than a conventional nuclear deal.
According to Trump, any future understanding with Iran could address issues beyond its nuclear programme, suggesting that Washington may seek wider commitments as part of a potential diplomatic settlement.
The possibility of negotiations comes as military tensions continue to weigh heavily on the Middle East and global energy markets. Recent attacks involving vessels and energy infrastructure have heightened concerns about the security of key oil routes.
Oil Market Under Pressure
The escalation has pushed crude prices above the $100-per-barrel threshold for the first time since July, with traders increasingly concerned about the impact of prolonged disruptions to Gulf energy exports.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern for global energy markets. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could place additional pressure on supplies and keep prices elevated.
Trump, however, expects the trend to reverse if the war ends, predicting that oil prices could decline significantly following the US midterm elections.
Diplomatic Pressure Continues
Despite Trump’s comments about a possible end to the war and future negotiations, the diplomatic path remains uncertain. US officials have acknowledged the unpredictability of the conflict, while reports indicate that some senior advisers are preparing for the possibility that hostilities could continue much longer than Trump’s publicly stated timeline.
For global markets, the outcome of the conflict will remain closely linked to developments around the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf energy infrastructure and the prospects for renewed US-Iran diplomacy.