Persuasion, denial and bluster: Trump ‘stuck’ on Iran war ahead of elections | US midterm elections 2026
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-22 04:00:00 — www.theguardian.com
Donald Trump Downplays War’s Economic Toll, Issues Threats Amid Mounting Criticism
As the conflict with Iran drags on and public support wanes, Donald Trump has adopted a pattern of minimizing the war’s economic impact, issuing threats, and making sweeping declarations that have drawn both domestic and international scrutiny.
During a recent appearance at the Nassau County Police Academy in New York, Trump downplayed the effect of the war on rising fuel prices, telling Americans, “Remember that, when you have to pay a little bit more, you’re at $4, it’s OK,” and justifying the increase as necessary to prevent “an evil country” from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
In a Fox News interview, Trump escalated his rhetoric, threatening to “bomb the shit out of” Oman if it “gets in the way” of U.S. efforts to end the conflict with Iran. On social media, he declared the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz a “new US territory”—a claim that was met with mockery in Iran and has no basis in international law.
Recently, Trump has also threatened to unleash “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale” against Iran, but has offered few specifics, instead vaguely warning that any country providing “any type of lifeline” to Tehran would also face consequences.
Analysts say these fluctuating responses reveal Trump’s frustration and lack of viable options as the war’s unpopularity grows and economic pressures mount. With the ceasefire agreement collapsed and Iran maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices have surged, fueling inflation and raising living costs in the U.S.—a scenario that polling shows is hurting Trump and his party ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump’s approach has been characterized by a mix of half-hearted persuasion, denial, and threatening bluster, with his rationale for the war widely questioned. As the situation deteriorates, Trump faces increasing pressure both at home and abroad, with analysts warning that his inability to change course could have significant political consequences.
As November’s midterms approach, Trump’s record of downplaying economic hardship, issuing threats, and making exaggerated claims is under intense scrutiny, raising questions about his leadership and the future direction of U.S. policy in the region.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/aug/22/trump-iran-war-midterm-elections