Trump seeks scapegoats for failed Iran war as fuel prices soar

President Donald Trump has begun seeking scapegoats for the prolonged US war with Iran, which has lasted over eight months and driven US fuel prices to record highs, threatening Republican losses in the upcoming midterm elections. Trump has questioned aides about the performance of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, who had assured him the war would be quick and successful. Hegseth faces criticism for presenting an overly rosy picture of the conflict, and Congress may investigate his dismissal of dozens of generals. Gulf states fear a new round of US-Israeli strikes on Iran after Tuesday's elections could trigger more destructive regional conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has urged immediate action, while Trump claims negotiations with Tehran are progressing well.