Trump Expects Iran War to End After U.S. Midterms

President Donald Trump said he expects the U.S.-Iran war to end shortly after the November midterm elections, even as Washington and Tehran intensify attacks and disruptions to key Middle East shipping routes push oil prices above $100 a barrel.

Trump told reporters that Iran was attempting to influence the U.S. elections, which will determine whether Republicans maintain control of Congress. He argued that Tehran is under mounting pressure and would struggle to sustain the conflict beyond the vote.

“I think war is going to end immediately after the election because they can’t hold out any longer,” Trump said.

His comments followed another escalation near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said it attacked 10 ships on Wednesday after U.S. forces sank five Iranian oil tankers. Preliminary tracking data showed only seven vessels passed through the Strait that day, roughly half the recent 10-day average.

Brent crude remained above $100 per barrel as disruptions in both the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea continued to threaten global energy supplies.

Trump also renewed his warning that the U.S. could strike Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified location containing deeply buried tunnel complexes near the damaged Natanz uranium enrichment facility. He said Washington had detected activity at the site and warned Tehran against further moves there.

The U.S. and Israel began military strikes against Iran in February amid concerns about Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful.

Regional tensions have also intensified in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Saudi civil defence authorities issued multiple emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait as clashes with Iran-backed Houthi forces escalated.

The Saudi-led coalition said at least 73 people were wounded in recent Houthi attacks across four southern Saudi cities. The Houthis said they targeted an air base in Khamis Mushait and oil infrastructure in nearby areas.

The expanding conflict has increased concerns about Middle East energy supplies, global oil prices and the economic impact of prolonged hostilities.