President Donald Trump predicted on Wednesday that the war with Iran will end immediately after the November midterm elections, citing Tehran's inability to withstand ongoing U.S. economic and military pressure.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews before departing for the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, Trump said Iran is prolonging the fight in hopes of affecting the vote. "I think war is going to end immediately after the election because they can't hold out any longer. They're desperate to try and affect the election," he stated.

Trump accused Iranian leaders of wanting a weaker U.S. political outcome that would allow them to pursue nuclear weapons unchecked. He added that oil prices would tumble right after the election and that gasoline could fall below $2 a gallon.

The conflict, now in its seventh month since beginning in late February, has seen recent escalations in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. sank five Iranian oil tankers earlier this week, prompting Iran to report attacks on 10 ships. Benchmark Brent crude futures have risen above $100 a barrel.

Trump noted that negotiations remain possible but are not preferred at this stage. "Yes, a negotiation could possibly happen, but it's not something we're looking at," he said. He also confirmed recent U.S. strikes on Iranian vessels and indicated more actions are ahead.

Trump's approval ratings have reached record lows amid public frustration over the war and rising living costs. The midterms on November 3 are viewed as a referendum on the administration.

The war began with U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure and has expanded to include economic sanctions and naval confrontations. Trump has emphasized that the strategy relies on sustained pressure rather than immediate diplomacy.