President Donald Trump stated on September 12, 2026, during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House that the war with Iran will end very soon and probably right after the midterm elections. Trump told reporters that Iranian leaders are trying to hold out as long as they can to complicate the election but that people are wise to it. He added that everything will work out fine and that oil prices will come tumbling down when that happens. A report by Business Today captured the exchange as Trump fielded questions alongside the Irish leader.
The conflict erupted in late February with U.S. and allied strikes that Trump has repeatedly described as nearing completion since the opening weeks. CBS News covered an April 1 prime-time address in which Trump said U.S. forces had achieved overwhelming victories and would hit Iran extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. A Rolling Stone timeline of Trump’s statements shows he has predicted an end within days or weeks on at least a half-dozen occasions between March and August. USA Today compiled remarks in which Trump called the operation a skirmish or little detour that would conclude shortly.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have driven up global energy costs since the first strikes. Trump has consistently maintained that prices will fall quickly once the fighting stops. A PBS News analysis from early in the campaign noted that Trump left open the possibility of striking additional important targets if Iran did not reach a deal.
Polling has reflected public unease with the prolonged engagement. An NBC News survey cited in Roll Call coverage found 54 percent of respondents disapproved of Trump’s handling of the matter while a slim majority said the United States should not have launched military action. Trump has sent mixed signals by declaring that all major Iranian capabilities are gone yet warning that further action remains possible. Axios reported in March that Trump described the risk as largely over after the initial phase of strikes.
Iranian officials have continued limited responses including the downing of aircraft and interference with shipping according to defense assessments. Trump has insisted the United States could end the conflict at any time of its choosing. Separate reports indicate both sides have held intermittent talks aimed at reviving cargo traffic through the strait.
The September 12 comments in Dublin mark the latest in a series of optimistic assessments delivered during overseas travel and domestic appearances. Trump has tied any delay to electoral calculations by Tehran while reaffirming that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Coverage from multiple outlets including The Journal and The Sun confirmed the Iran discussion formed part of broader talks on Middle East issues during the bilateral meeting.
