US President Donald Trump said Wednesday oil prices above $100 per barrel could persist through the midterm elections, extending his forecast for lower crude prices beyond the vote.
President Trump made the remarks during a press gaggle with reporters at Joint Base Andrews.
"I think it's going to take a little bit longer than the midterm [elections]," Trump said.
"...right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downward", Trump said, adding, "I think for gasoline we'll get them below $2 a gallon."
Trump said Iran was trying to prolong the war to influence the US midterm elections and weaken his party's political position.
"I think the war will end immediately after the election because they can't hold out any longer," Trump said.
He said Iran's economy is under severe pressure, citing 300% inflation, a weakened currency and unpaid soldiers.
"We control the strait and lots of other things," Trump said, adding that US forces had taken out nine Iranian ships and warning that more attacks would follow.
Trump said Iran could still pursue talks with the US, but he signaled no active effort toward negotiations, saying, "a negotiation could possibly happen, but it's not something we're looking at."