Trump says Iran war will end ‘very soon’ as midterms approach

US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran would end “very soon” as the midterm elections take place amid economic uncertainty and continuing global conflict.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday evening, Trump said the conflict would end “as soon as I want it to end.” He also said Iran would “never have a nuclear weapon” and that oil prices would “drop like a rock.”

Economy becomes a campaign focus

Trump has recently tried to shift attention toward Ukraine and blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries for rising fuel prices. His renewed focus on Iran comes as economic concerns shape voters’ choices ahead of the midterms.

An exclusive Harris poll for The Guardian found that three in four Americans are concerned about a possible recession. Groups considered important to midterm victories are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the economy.

Other US political developments

James Talarico, the Democratic Senate nominee in Texas, faced questions from undecided voters about Gaza, his faith and other issues at a town hall. He said he wanted to put residents ahead of party loyalty.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he felt “betrayed” after Ukrainian military access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service was restricted. Trump denied that his administration had cut intelligence sharing, while Musk suggested on X that the US government was behind the restrictions.

Trump’s new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, is also facing scrutiny over claims that she is a lawyer. She has clarified some points, but questions remain over whether she has ever passed the bar.