President Donald Trump stated Wednesday that the war with Iran will conclude immediately after the November midterm elections, asserting that Tehran cannot sustain its resistance beyond that point. Speaking to reporters in Dallas ahead of the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention, Trump framed the conflict as nearing its end, while acknowledging ongoing economic impacts, including elevated oil prices.
Trump’s timeline and economic claims
Trump predicted that oil prices would decline “right after the election”, attributing current high costs—reported at $100 per barrel—to the ongoing conflict. He also claimed Iran is “desperate to affect the election”, alleging Tehran seeks a weaker U.S. administration to pursue nuclear capabilities. These assertions were reiterated during his convention speech, where he framed the war as a necessary measure to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. No evidence was provided to support the election interference claim, and Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.
Internal advisers warn of prolonged conflict
A Wall Street Journal report cited by multiple outlets indicated that senior White House advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, privately cautioned Trump that the war could extend through the remainder of his presidency. The warnings, delivered during Oval Office and Situation Room discussions, suggested that Iranian resistance may persist beyond January 2029, potentially making the conflict a defining foreign policy issue for Trump’s term.
Public and political response
Trump’s remarks come as his administration faces declining approval ratings on the war’s handling, with a NBC News Decision Desk Poll showing 69% of Americans disapprove. Within his party, support has waned, with Republican strong approval dropping 18 percentage points since spring, now standing at 30%. Some convention attendees defended Trump’s approach, arguing that the war’s resolution aligns with broader strategic goals, while others acknowledged public frustration over rising gasoline prices.
Background on the conflict
The war, initiated by Trump in late February, was originally predicted to last four to five weeks. It has now entered its seventh month, with ongoing fighting and economic disruptions, including Iran’s loss of control over the Strait of Hormuz and reported military payment delays within Iran. The conflict’s duration has drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers, with concerns about its broader geopolitical implications.