Trump predicts Iran war will end after U.S. midterm elections

President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that the war with Iran would "end immediately after our election," referring to the upcoming U.S. midterm polls. He made the comment before boarding Air Force One for a trip to Dallas, Texas.

Trump accused Tehran of delaying a resolution to influence the election outcome, saying the Iranian government hopes a "nice, weak group of people" will be elected and that it wants a nuclear weapon. He warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a global threat.

The conflict, which began on Feb. 28, was initially justified by the United States and Israel on the basis of Iran’s nuclear program. Iran maintains its enrichment activities are for civilian power, and U.S. intelligence has expressed uncertainty about a weapons program. Negotiations on the nuclear issue have continued intermittently since the war started.

When asked about resuming nuclear talks, Trump said the administration is pursuing goals beyond a nuclear agreement and added, "We’re not looking for it, to be honest." He suggested that further U.S. strikes against Iranian targets are likely.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently indicated that a nuclear deal may not be forthcoming and that the United States could keep targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The Pentagon reported strikes on five Iranian tankers after alleged missile attacks on a U.S. Navy vessel.

Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel amid the renewed hostilities, and a recent poll showed public support for the war at 31 percent, down from 37 percent in March.