Washington, Sept. 10 (SANA)US President Donald Trump said he expects Iran to seek an end to the war immediately after November’s midterm elections, acknowledging that US fuel prices are unlikely to decline significantly before then.

Speaking to reporters on his way to the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Trump claimed that Iran was prolonging the conflict to influence the elections.

“I think it’s going to take a little bit longer than the midterm,” Trump said when asked when gasoline prices would decline.

Trump said he believed Iran was approaching collapse and would seek to end the conflict “immediately after the election,” adding: “They can’t hold out any longer.” His comments were followed by a decline in oil prices. AP News

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, had risen above $100 a barrel amid intensified fighting and continuing disruption to crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which previously handled about one-fifth of global oil supplies.

Higher oil prices have increased fuel costs in the United States ahead of the midterms. The national average for regular gasoline reached about $4.28 per gallon Thursday, while diesel rose to a record of nearly $5.98, according to AAA.

The war has continued for about six months, exceeding the administration’s initial estimate of four to six weeks. Iran’s restrictions on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have prolonged the resulting energy crisis.

The US Treasury Department launched a new economic pressure campaign last month, threatening sanctions against countries maintaining commercial relations with Iran unless they sever those ties.

Asked about the possible political impact of high fuel prices, Trump defended the military campaign, saying US action was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.