US President Donald Trump told reporters on 9/9, before departing for the Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas, that he believes the conflict will end immediately after the upcoming midterm elections. "I think the war will end immediately after the election because they cannot hold out any longer. They are desperately trying to influence the election", he stated. Trump accused Iran of seeking to influence the election to bring "a group of incompetent people who will ignore Iran and let them have nuclear weapons" into the US Congress, seemingly referring to Democratic members.

Tehran has repeatedly denied accusations that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

US President Donald Trump speaks at an event in Washington D.C. on 8/9. Photo: AFP

The Middle East conflict has entered its seventh month with no end in sight, despite President Trump initially stating the conflict would only last a few weeks. On 9/9, Iran announced it had attacked 10 cargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz, after the US sank 5 enemy oil tankers.

This renewed fighting caused oil prices to surge, with Brent crude exceeding 100 USD per barrel, the first time since July.

Speaking to reporters before arriving in Dallas, Trump asserted that oil prices would decrease immediately after the midterm elections and the conflict's end. He affirmed that diplomatic negotiations could still occur, but they were not a priority. "Yes, a negotiation could be held, but that is not something we are considering", he said.

The US president's approval rating recently dropped to a record low due to voter frustration over the conflict with Iran and a worsening cost-of-living crisis. The midterm elections, scheduled for 3/11, will serve as a referendum on the Trump administration.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters, BBC)