US President Donald Trump has predicted that the war with Iran will end after the US midterm elections in November.
Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday.
He also said oil prices should fall sharply once the conflict ends. Brent crude recently moved above $100 a barrel as the war disrupted energy supplies and shipping routes.
Trump Says Talks With Iran Remain Possible
Trump said the United States is not currently trying to make a deal with Iran.
However, he left the door open to talks with Tehran.
The US president also said his approach to Iran goes beyond the issue of its nuclear program.
Trump has repeatedly said Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. At the same time, his administration continues to apply pressure on Tehran as the conflict enters its seventh month.
Oil Prices Rise Amid Regional Conflict
Oil markets have faced growing pressure because of the war and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel on Wednesday for the first time since July. Traders remain concerned about further disruption to global oil shipments.
Trump said oil prices would fall after the war ends. He linked that expected decline to the period following the November midterm elections.
The prediction comes as higher fuel prices add to inflation concerns in the United States.
Trump May Discuss West Bank Settlement Sanctions
Trump also indicated that he could speak with Israel about British measures targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Britain recently announced restrictions on imports from Israeli settlements. It also introduced measures targeting businesses and services linked to settlement activity.
The Trump administration has so far avoided directly opposing the British move.
Russia Seeks Restart of Ukraine Talks
Trump also discussed the war in Ukraine.
He said Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to reach a deal to end the conflict.
Trump recently held a phone call with Putin after US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia hopes US-mediated talks with Ukraine can resume soon. The negotiations have been stalled since February.
The latest diplomatic efforts have not produced a major breakthrough. However, Washington continues to push Moscow and Kyiv toward renewed negotiations.
