World
Trump's Iran War Looms Over Midterm Convention
Al Jazeera reports on the impact of the Iran war on the US midterm elections, with mixed public sentiment and political strategy. Polls show widespread disapproval, but Trump's supporters remain loyal.

Dallas, Texas – The Republican midterm convention has become a focal point for the party’s strategy to rally support for Donald Trump amid the ongoing war with Iran. The conflict, launched alongside Israel on February 28, has raised concerns about its economic impact and public perception, particularly as voters prioritize affordability ahead of the November elections.
The war has led to a surge in global oil prices, with Brent Crude surpassing $100 a barrel for the first time since July, highlighting its ongoing influence on international markets. Despite this, Trump remains a central figure for many Republicans, with supporters emphasizing his leadership and the party’s commitment to economic stewardship.
Public sentiment, however, is divided. Carter Eisinger, a 27-year-old electrician from Fargo, North Dakota, expressed confusion about the war’s relevance to American interests. He questioned the justification for the conflict and its impact on everyday Americans, stating, “I don’t really see the connection of how a war in Iran helps us here in the country.”
Bijay Dixit, a 59-year-old photographer from Houston, acknowledged a “miscalculation” in the approach to Iran but supported the administration’s stance on the necessity of the conflict. He noted the underestimation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ capabilities. Helen Vennett, a 65-year-old small business owner from Maryland, compared the convention to a high-school pep rally, emphasizing its role in energizing the party base.
Polls indicate widespread disapproval of the war, with only a quarter of Americans believing it is worthwhile. Independents, in particular, express concern over its economic consequences. The Trump administration has downplayed the likelihood of ending the war before the midterm elections, instead focusing on securing shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump himself has predicted the war will end swiftly after the November vote, accusing Iran of prolonging the conflict to influence the election. John Russell, 55, from Rockford, Illinois, who regularly attends Trump rallies, believes the party’s strategy will resonate with voters, potentially shifting some independents to support Trump-backed candidates.
The situation remains unclear regarding the long-term implications of the war on both domestic and international fronts. While the Trump administration continues to frame the conflict as necessary for national security, the broader public and global markets remain skeptical.