US President Donald Trump said on September 9, 2026, that he believes the war with Iran could end soon after the US midterm elections in November. Trump said Iran is under strong economic pressure and may not be able to continue the conflict for much longer.
Speaking to reporters before travelling to Dallas for a Republican event, Trump said Tehran was trying to influence the US election. He argued that Iran was becoming increasingly desperate and would eventually be forced to end the war.
The conflict has now continued for around seven months, with no clear agreement or long-term solution in sight. Fighting and tensions between the United States and Iran have continued to affect the wider Middle East and global energy markets.
On September 9, Iran said it had attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement came after the United States reportedly sank five Iranian oil tankers. The latest developments increased fears about further disruption to shipping and energy supplies in the region.
Oil prices responded quickly to the rising tensions. Brent crude futures climbed to around $100 a barrel, reaching their highest level since July. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important routes for oil shipments, so any major disruption in the area can have a direct effect on global energy prices.
The conflict is also creating political pressure for Trump at home. His approval ratings have fallen as some voters express concern about the war and the continuing cost-of-living crisis. Rising energy prices could add further pressure on American households and businesses.
The US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3. Midterm elections are often viewed as an important test of the sitting president’s popularity because voters choose members of Congress and other officials. The results can also affect the president’s ability to pass policies during the rest of the term.
Trump said he expects oil prices to fall once the conflict comes to an end. He suggested that an end to the war could reduce pressure on global energy markets and bring fuel costs down.
The president also acknowledged that negotiations with Iran remain possible. However, he indicated that diplomacy was not currently his preferred approach and that the United States was not actively focusing on negotiations at this stage.
Trump’s comments have added another layer of uncertainty to the ongoing conflict. While he expects the war to end after the November elections, it remains unclear whether the two sides will reach an agreement or whether fighting will continue.
For now, markets, governments and the public will continue to closely watch developments around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Any further escalation could push oil prices higher, while meaningful diplomatic progress could help reduce tensions and stabilize energy markets.