Iran-US conflict to end after midterm elections: Donald Trump
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has predicted that the ongoing conflict with Iran will come to an end soon after the upcoming midterm elections in November. Speaking to reporters in Dublin, he said, "I think very soon. I think it'll be probably right after the midterms." He also said that once the war ends, oil prices are likely to drop significantly. "When that happens, oil prices will come tumbling down," he said
Peace plea
Iranian President calls for peace
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also called for peace and criticized the United States's role as a "regional policeman" in West Asia.
Speaking at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, he said that regional security should be guaranteed by local countries.
He stressed that Iran doesn't want war or continued conflict and wants peace despite injustices suffered by his people.
"Despite all the injustices suffered by our people, we neither desire war nor its continuation," he stated.
Conflict origins
US-Iran conflict
The US-Iran conflict started on February 28, when US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In retaliation, Tehran launched attacks across the region and blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route.
The blockade has continued for over six months, pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel this week.
No regret
Trump shows no regret over conflict
Despite the potential impact on elections, Trump has shown no regret over the conflict.
"I don't believe in the word 'regret.' You can always question yourself a little bit," Trump said in an interview with Fox ‌News.
The war has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
Rising oil prices due to the conflict are a major concern for Republicans ahead of elections.
Ongoing conflict
No breakthrough in talks
Despite a deal reached in June, there has been no breakthrough in talks since then.
The fighting continues at a lower level, with the US yet to present a clear exit strategy from the conflict.
Trump has claimed that Tehran is trying to influence elections that will decide if his Republican Party retains control of Congress.