President Donald Trump has stated that the war with Iran will end 'immediately' following the US midterm elections in November, according to reports from Al Jazeera and NDTV. In a Wednesday address to reporters before departing for Dallas, Trump claimed that Iran is 'desperate to try and affect' the election, suggesting the country is attempting to influence the outcome by prolonging the conflict. 'This war will end immediately after our election,' Trump said, adding that Iran is seeking a 'weak group of people' in Congress to 'let them have their nuclear weapon.'

The White House has not officially confirmed Trump's remarks, but US officials have privately warned that the war could continue through the remainder of Trump's term, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This discrepancy highlights the gap between public statements and internal assessments. The conflict, which began in February 2025, has seen repeated strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, with the US military claiming to have 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear programme during a 12-day war in June 2025.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also taken action, voting 23-3 to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over alleged nuclear non-compliance. The resolution, which received eight abstentions, was opposed by Russia, China, and Niger. Iran's representative to the IAEA called the move 'under US pressure' and claimed it 'has no basis and will not bring any results.' Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his belief that Iran is on the brink of collapse, stating, 'We are very close to that,' during a visit to southern Syria.

The latest escalation in the conflict occurred when the US military struck five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday, citing Iran's attempts to attack a US Navy warship. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran would continue to lose tankers for every attack on US naval vessels. Iran, which controls the Strait of Hormuz, has imposed strict controls on maritime traffic through the waterway, requiring vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees.

Despite Trump's assertion that the war will end after the midterms, public opinion in the US remains divided. A recent poll found that only 31 percent of Americans support the conflict, down from 37 percent in March. Meanwhile, oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel amid renewed hostilities, raising concerns about global economic impacts. The US military has indicated that more strikes are expected, with Trump stating, 'You’re going to see a lot more.'

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation or de-escalation depending on political developments in the US and diplomatic efforts on the international stage. The exact timeline for the war's conclusion remains uncertain, as does the long-term impact on regional stability and global energy markets.