Trump Sparks Stir, Suddenly 'Leaks' When Iran War Will End
US President Donald Trump estimates that the war with Iran will only end after the US mid-term elections this coming November. This statement emerged as the US and Iran launched a series of major attacks against vessels in the region. Iran claimed to have attacked 10 ships around the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday (9/9/2026), following the US sinking of five Iranian oil tankers.
This series of retaliatory attacks represents one of the largest escalations against shipping since the war began, suggesting a low probability of the conflict ending in the near future. Tensions in the Middle East are also intensifying; Saudi Arabia issued an emergency warning for the southwest Khamis Mushait region on Thursday. This was the fourth warning within 24 hours as clashes resumed with the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen.
In the energy markets, Brent crude oil prices have remained above US$100 per barrel. Ongoing disruptions to energy shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea continue to heighten concerns regarding global supply. Furthermore, the war and the surge in fuel prices have contributed to Trump’s popularity dropping to its lowest point during his presidency.
Trump has accused the Iranian government of attempting to influence the US mid-term elections scheduled for November. These elections will determine whether the Republican Party can maintain control over Congress. “I think the war will end soon after the election because they can no longer sustain it. They are desperate to try and influence the election,” Trump said, as reported by Reuters on Thursday (10/9/2026).
Trump has previously set several deadlines for the war to end. However, a report from The Wall Street Journal indicates that several senior White House advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have privately warned Trump that the conflict could potentially persist throughout the remainder of his presidency, which ends in January 2029.
Trump has also renewed threats against Iran regarding potential strikes on Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily guarded facility featuring two tunnel complexes built deep underground. The location is situated near the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, which has previously sustained damage. In his speech at the Republican Party convention for the mid-term elections, Trump warned Iran against engaging in provocative activities at the facility.
“We see some activity at Pickaxe. I suggest Iran does not mess around because we will have to hit them very hard,” Trump stated. Threats against Pickaxe Mountain are not new, as Trump has issued similar warnings since mid-July. The US and Israel previously launched military strikes against Iran in February, partly triggered by concerns regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iran maintains that all its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes.