Donald Trump expects Iran conflict to end after US midterms amid rising naval tensions

Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities at rally to recruit more fighters, in Sanaa, on Thursday. PIC/AFP

US President Donald Trump expects the six-month-old conflict with Iran to end after the November US midterm elections, despite renewing threats to strike an Iranian nuclear site following a major escalation in naval warfare.

Recent tit-for-tat attacks - including the US sinking five Iranian oil tankers and Iran striking ten ships - have severely disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, driving Brent crude prices above $100 a barrel.

Regional volatility remains acute, with Saudi Arabia issuing repeated emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait due to fighting with Iran-backed Houthi forces.

Additionally, Houthi fighters are expanding leverage near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical global shipping choke point, further compounding supply chain fears and signaling little immediate prospect for peace.

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No of Iranian oil tankers the US downed

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