US President Donald Trump has stated that, in his view, the war with Iran will only end after the mid-term elections on 3 November. He also linked the cessation of hostilities to a fall in oil prices. The statement came on the eve of the Republican National Convention in Texas, at a time when the conflict and rising fuel prices are putting increasing pressure on the administration.
Briefly about the main points
- Trump expects the war with Iran to end following the US election.
- The President has indicated that he is open to negotiations, but stated that Washington is not seeking them.
- The conflict is now in its seventh month and is weighing on Trump’s approval ratings.
- Oil prices have reached $100 a barrel amid attacks in the region.
- The US and Iran have reported new attacks on ships and tankers.
Trump defends the war amid pressure ahead of the election
On the way to the Republican Party’s first-ever pre-election convention and whilst speaking there Trump He defended the short-term economic losses. He stated that this was necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The President said that further negotiations with Iran They are theoretically possible, but the US is not currently looking for them. He also accused Tehran, without providing any evidence, of attempting to influence the US elections. Iran has repeatedly denied that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
The war is now in its seventh month, although Trump had initially predicted it would be over in a matter of weeks. His approval ratings are falling, and pressure is mounting within the Republican Party to bring the conflict to an end more quickly. The Republicans risk losing control of Congress.
Attacks on energy infrastructure have driven up fuel prices
The latest attacks on oil facilities in the region have contributed to a rise in the price of fuel and goods whose transport relies on fuel. On Wednesday, the price of oil surpassed the $100-per-barrel mark for the first time since July.
Earlier this week, the price of diesel fuel in the US reached an all-time high. More expensive fuel It could exert price pressure on the US economy and has also heightened expectations of interest rate rises. At the same time, an end to the war does not guarantee an immediate fall in oil prices: prices will be influenced by the security of maritime routes, supply and market expectations.
The US, Iran and the Houthis have reported a new round of strikes
The US military has stated that an attack on five oil tankers, … linked to Iran. In response, Tehran attacked two US destroyers and eight oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media. They reported that the vessels had sustained significant damage.
The day before, Iran-linked Houthi rebels in Yemen had attacked Saudi Arabia, causing fires at oil facilities. Fighting resumed recently following the formal end of the 60-day ceasefire between the US and Iran last month.
