Washington
President Donald Trump said he expects the six-month-old war with Iran to end after the November U.S. midterm elections, while again threatening to strike a heavily fortified Iranian site linked to the nuclear programme.
His remarks came as Iran and the United States launched their largest wave of attacks on shipping since the conflict began, raising fears of a wider regional crisis. Iran said it attacked 10 ships near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait after the United States sank five Iranian oil tankers.
The conflict has disrupted energy and shipping routes through both the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. Brent crude prices remained above $100 a barrel on Thursday as traders assessed supply risks.
Tensions also rose around Yemen, where Houthis were moving closer to gaining greater leverage over the Bab el-Mandeb, a key maritime chokepoint. Saudi civil defence authorities issued emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait four times in 24 hours amid clashes with the Houthis.
Trump said Tehran was seeking to influence the U.S. elections, which will determine Republican control of Congress. “I think war is going to end after the election,” he told reporters, saying Iran could no longer hold out.
He also warned Iran against activity at Pickaxe Mountain, near the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. Trump said the United States would hit the site “very hard” if necessary.
Meanwhile, a Wall Street Journal report said White House advisers warned Trump the war could continue through the remainder of his presidency. Said it could not immediately verify the report.