US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the war against Iran “will end immediately” after the US midterm elections on November 3. He said Iran was trying to delay an end to the conflict until it could influence the political environment in the United States.
Trump also said the US was not looking to restart negotiations with Iran, arguing that his administration wanted an agreement covering more than the country’s nuclear programme. The remarks came after months of stalled ceasefire discussions.
Why Iran’s nuclear programme remains central
When the war began on February 28, the United States and Israel identified Iran’s nuclear programme as a key justification for launching hostilities. Iran has denied seeking a nuclear weapon and says its uranium enrichment is intended for civilian power.
Negotiations over Iran’s nuclear energy programme were under way when the war began and have repeatedly featured in ceasefire discussions. Trump previously withdrew the United States from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which restricted the amount of uranium Iran could enrich. For additional context, see “Chris Wright says Iran nuclear agreement may not be possible”.
US intelligence reports have questioned whether Iran was building a nuclear weapon, while concerns have continued over the level of its enrichment. Trump said his ambitions went beyond a nuclear agreement but indicated that negotiations were not a priority.
What we know now
- The Democratic Party is seeking control of one or both chambers of Congress.
- Republicans currently hold slim majorities in both chambers.
- A recent poll cited in the report found that 31 percent of Americans supported the conflict, down from 37 percent in March.
- Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel amid renewed US-Iran hostilities.
Military pressure continues
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said there may not be a nuclear deal and suggested the United States could continue strikes aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The United States previously struck three Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day US-Israel war in June 2025; Trump said at the time that the attacks had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme.
The US military said it struck five Iranian tankers on Tuesday after attempted missile attacks on a US Navy warship. Trump said on Wednesday that further US strikes would follow. A related part of this story is covered in “Iran’s Hormuz plan: proposed boundaries, routes and enforcement”.
What happens next
Trump said more US strikes would follow, while negotiations with Iran remain stalled and the administration continues to downplay the conflict ahead of the midterm elections.
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