Trump admits Iran war hurt US midterm election results

Donald Trump acknowledged that the war with Iran affected the US midterm election results, linking losses at the ballot box to a temporary rise in gasoline prices. He stated this impact was "largely true" because the conflict drove fuel costs up short term. Despite admitting the political cost, Trump defended the military engagement as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, saying "it was something we had to do." He also noted that large quantities of oil now pass through the Strait of Hormuz, contrasting with no traffic initially. Trump made these remarks at the White House, where he also dismissed any possibility of removing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Vice President JD Vance had earlier made similar statements regarding the electoral defeat.