President Trump Expects Iran War to End After Midterms, Gas Prices to Drop

President Donald Trump stated Wednesday that he anticipates Iran will cease its war activities following the U.S. midterm elections in November, while acknowledging that American gas prices are unlikely to decrease before then. Speaking on his way to the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Trump linked Iran’s continued aggression to efforts aimed at influencing the election outcome.

Trump Connects Iran’s War Effort to Midterm Politics

During a press interaction, President Trump suggested that Iran is deliberately prolonging its conflict to politically undermine him by driving up energy costs and creating instability. “They’re desperate to try and affect the election so that we can get a nice weak group of people in there and leave them alone and let them have their nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

Despite these tactics, Trump expressed confidence that Iran is nearing collapse. He predicted that the country will seek to end hostilities immediately after the midterm elections, which would trigger a sharp drop in oil prices and subsequently lower gas costs for American consumers. “They can’t hold out any longer,” he added.

Rising Oil and Gas Prices Deepen Economic Strain

The president’s comments come amid a resurgence in global oil prices, with benchmarks surpassing $100 per barrel. This surge has been driven by intensified fighting in Iran and growing concerns over the security of crude shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for nearly one-fifth of the world’s daily oil flow.

U.S. gas prices have reflected this volatility, rising 7.3 cents per gallon on Wednesday—the largest single-day jump since May—according to AAA data. The national average stands at $4.22 per gallon, while diesel prices hit a record $5.94 per gallon, increasing pressure on American households and businesses alike.

U.S. Efforts to Reopen Strait of Hormuz and Apply Pressure on Iran

The Trump administration has maintained that oil prices will fall substantially once the conflict ends. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously forecasted that gas prices could return to near $3 per gallon by Labor Day, a prediction that has yet to materialize as the war extends into its sixth month.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials continue efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked at times by targeting oil tankers with missile fire. The Treasury Department recently intensified economic pressure on Iran by threatening sanctions against nations that maintain business ties with the Iranian regime unless they sever those connections.

Despite these measures, tankers remain hesitant to navigate the strait amid ongoing hostilities, complicating the global energy supply chain and prolonging the energy crisis.

Trump Defends War Strategy Amid Political Risks

When asked about the political consequences of rising fuel prices ahead of the midterms, President Trump dismissed concerns over voter backlash. He argued that the American public supports the broader strategy against Iran, framing the conflict as a necessary stand against nuclear proliferation.

“I think it’s very easy to explain to America, all you have to do is say: ‘Will you let Iran have a nuclear weapon?’ And the answer is no,” Trump said, emphasizing national security over immediate economic discomfort.

As the midterm elections approach, the administration faces the dual challenge of managing a protracted foreign conflict and addressing its economic fallout at home. President Trump’s forecast that the Iran war will end shortly after November offers a potential turning point, but for now, Americans continue to brace for rising prices at the pump.