US President Donald Trump has predicted that the war with Iran will end “immediately after” the November midterm elections, arguing that Tehran will no longer be able to withstand American economic pressure.

Trump made the remarks on Wednesday as the conflict entered its seventh month and the United States and Iran exchanged fresh attacks around the Strait of Hormuz. He also accused Iran of trying to influence the outcome of the November 3 elections by prolonging the conflict.

“I think war is going to end immediately after the election because they can't hold out any longer,” Trump told reporters before travelling to the Republican National Convention in Dallas.

The prediction comes as the war continues to affect energy markets and has become an increasingly important political issue ahead of the US midterms.

Trump Links War Timeline to November Vote

Trump suggested that Iran was attempting to influence American voters by keeping the conflict going but said Tehran would ultimately be unable to sustain the pressure.

He also indicated that oil prices would fall after the election if the war ends. However, Trump acknowledged that diplomatic negotiations remain possible, although he said talks were not currently his preferred option.

The November elections are particularly significant for Trump's administration because voters will decide whether Republicans retain control of Congress.

The president's comments therefore place the expected end of the conflict directly alongside a major domestic political milestone.

White House Advisers Reportedly See Longer War

Trump's confident prediction contrasts sharply with reports about private assessments within his administration.

According to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Reuters, senior advisers including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have privately warned that Iran could continue resisting US pressure and that the conflict could potentially last through the remainder of Trump's presidency, which ends in January 2029.

The White House did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on the report.

The differing assessments highlight the uncertainty surrounding the conflict's eventual outcome. While Trump expects a rapid end after the midterms, senior officials are reportedly preparing for a much longer confrontation.

IAEA Refers Iran Nuclear Issue to UN

The military confrontation has also been accompanied by growing diplomatic pressure over Iran's nuclear programme.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors voted on Wednesday to refer Iran's nuclear non-compliance to the United Nations Security Council. The resolution passed with 23 votes in favour, while Russia, China and Niger voted against and eight countries abstained.

The move marks the first time in two decades that the IAEA board has taken such action against Iran.

Iran has rejected the allegations and argued that continued military operations make normal inspections of its nuclear facilities difficult.

Fighting Around Strait of Hormuz Intensifies

The latest escalation has also centred on commercial and military shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy routes.

The United States said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after Iranian forces targeted US naval assets. Iran subsequently attacked several ships near the waterway, in the biggest recent wave of attacks on shipping since the conflict began.

The confrontation has already pushed global oil prices sharply higher. Brent crude moved above $100 a barrel on Wednesday for the first time since July, raising fresh concerns about inflation and the cost of fuel, transport and other goods.

War Creates Political Pressure for Trump

The prolonged conflict is increasingly becoming a domestic political liability for the Trump administration.

Higher energy prices and rising living costs are adding to voter concerns, while Trump's approval ratings have weakened amid frustration over the war and the broader cost-of-living crisis. Reuters reported that the November midterms are widely viewed as a referendum on Trump's leadership.

At the same time, there is no clear evidence that the conflict will automatically end after the election.

With Iran continuing to resist US pressure, fighting spreading across several regional theatres and oil markets under strain, Trump's prediction of an immediate post-election conclusion remains a political forecast rather than an established timeline.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is reportedly preparing to remove nuclear material from a secret Syrian site under an agreement brokered by the administration of US President Donald Trump, according to a report by Axios. The material is believed to be remnants of Syria's former nuclear programme under Bashar al-Assad and has raised concerns over the possibility of radioactive material being used in a so-called dirty bomb.

The reported agreement involves the United States, Syria, Israel and the UN nuclear watchdog and is aimed at addressing concerns surrounding nuclear-related material left behind at an undisclosed facility known as “Site 99.”

Nuclear Material at Secret Site

According to the report, the material at Site 99 includes yellowcake, a uranium-bearing powder produced during the processing of uranium ore. Yellowcake itself is not a nuclear weapon, but it can be further processed and enriched for nuclear purposes.

The presence of such material at an inactive Syrian facility has been a longstanding security concern, particularly because of the history of Syria's covert nuclear activities.

The IAEA is expected to oversee the removal of the material as part of the reported arrangement. The move could reduce concerns over the material falling into the hands of groups capable of using radioactive substances for malicious purposes.

Syria's Former Nuclear Programme

Syria's nuclear ambitions came under international scrutiny after Israel destroyed the Al-Kibar nuclear reactor in 2007. The facility, located in eastern Syria, was widely assessed to have been part of a covert nuclear programme.

The Israeli strike severely damaged Syria's suspected nuclear infrastructure. However, according to the reports cited in the development, nuclear-related material remained at other locations.

The discovery and continued presence of such material became an issue of concern following the collapse of the Assad government and the political transition in Syria.

Risk of a Dirty Bomb

One of the concerns surrounding the material is its potential use in a dirty bomb. Unlike a conventional nuclear weapon, a dirty bomb combines conventional explosives with radioactive material. Its primary danger comes from spreading radioactive contamination rather than producing a nuclear explosion.

Experts have long warned that unsecured radioactive material can pose a serious security and public-safety risk, particularly in conflict zones where state institutions and security arrangements may be disrupted.

The reported US-brokered agreement therefore represents an attempt to secure and ultimately remove material that could otherwise remain a potential source of concern.

IAEA Access to Syrian Sites

After Ahmed al-Sharaa's government came to power, the IAEA reportedly reached an understanding with the new Syrian authorities that allowed its inspectors to visit the Al-Kibar reactor and other locations associated with the country's former nuclear programme.

The access has provided the agency with an opportunity to assess sites that were previously difficult to inspect.

Site 99 is reportedly among the locations that attracted particular attention because of the presence of yellowcake. The proposed removal of the material would mark a significant step in efforts to address the unresolved nuclear legacy of the Assad era.

US Role in the Agreement

The United States reportedly played a central role in bringing Syria, Israel and the IAEA together for the arrangement. Negotiations continued for several months amid broader regional tensions.

According to the report, Israel had considered taking military action against the site because of concerns over the nuclear material and uncertainty surrounding Syria's handling of it.

The US-brokered arrangement could therefore help prevent another military escalation while allowing the IAEA to address the material through an international monitoring mechanism.

Syria's Changing Regional Position

The development comes as Syria's new leadership seeks to rebuild relations with Western countries after years of civil war and international isolation.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sought greater international engagement as his government attempts to stabilise the country and improve its diplomatic standing. At the same time, Israel continues to closely monitor developments in Syria, particularly because of the country's evolving relationships with regional powers.

If implemented, the reported agreement would remove a sensitive remnant of Syria's former nuclear programme while strengthening international oversight of nuclear-related material in the country.

The IAEA's involvement is expected to remain central to ensuring that the material is safely handled and removed, reducing the risk of proliferation or misuse.

The coffin of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was taken to the site in Tehran where he was killed in a US-Israel airstrike earlier this year, as Iran intensified preparations for his six-day state funeral. The visit to the assassination site was reportedly conducted without prior public announcement, according to Iranian state media.

Congress leader Salman Khurshid and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti were among the Indian political leaders who travelled to Tehran to pay their respects during the mourning ceremonies. Visuals released by the Iranian Embassy showed the two leaders offering tributes alongside senior Iranian officials and foreign delegations.

Iran has scheduled public farewell ceremonies from July 4 to July 9 across several cities, with Tehran hosting the opening events. The first day will allow members of the public to pay their final respects, while funeral prayers and a procession through the capital are planned before the coffin is taken to Mashhad for burial.

Iranian authorities estimate that between 12 million and 20 million people could participate in the funeral ceremonies, potentially making it one of the largest state funerals in the country's history. Representatives from more than 100 countries are expected to attend, with India, China, Russia, Türkiye, Bangladesh and several other nations sending official delegations.

Security has been tightened across Tehran ahead of the ceremonies. Police checkpoints, military deployments and traffic restrictions have been imposed in the capital, while public and private offices are scheduled to remain closed during key stages of the funeral. Iranian authorities have also announced partial airspace restrictions as part of the security arrangements.

Amid the mourning period, Qatar indicated that the next round of US-Iran talks could resume after the funeral concludes, signalling a possible revival of diplomatic engagement following months of heightened regional tensions.

Iran has also lodged a complaint with the United Nations, accusing Israel of threatening Supreme Leader-designate Mojtaba Khamenei. Separately, Tehran announced that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would not be granted access to the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, a move likely to increase international scrutiny over its nuclear programme.

The Strait of Hormuz also remained in focus, with Iran warning the United States against interference in the strategic waterway while directing commercial vessels to follow designated maritime routes. At the same time, shipping traffic through the strait has shown signs of recovery following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, although volumes remain below pre-conflict levels.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for more than three decades, was killed in a US-Israel airstrike on February 28, according to Iranian authorities. His death marked a major turning point in the country's political leadership and has triggered one of the largest state mourning events in Iran's recent history.

Officials said the funeral ceremonies are intended to demonstrate national unity and resilience, while further diplomatic developments are expected after the conclusion of the mourning period.

Trump's '51st State' Remark on Venezuela Ignites Diplomatic Row

US President Donald Trump has triggered a fresh diplomatic storm by suggesting Venezuela could become the 51st state of the United States, posting a graphic on Truth Social depicting the South American nation as such while en route to a summit in China.

The provocative remark, coming days after similar comments to Fox News, has drawn a firm rejection from Venezuela’s acting president, who insisted the country’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable. The episode highlights shifting US-Venezuela ties following political changes in Caracas.

 Trump floats statehood idea

President Trump shared the eye-catching image on his social media platform late on Monday, just as he was travelling for high-level talks with Chinese leaders. The post builds on his earlier interview with Fox News, where he said he was “seriously considering” integrating Venezuela into the US, pointing to its vast oil reserves estimated in the trillions of dollars.

Trump has repeatedly highlighted Venezuela’s strategic importance, citing both its energy resources and recent political realignments after the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro. Officials in Washington view improved access to Venezuelan oil as a potential boost for global energy markets.

Caracas rejects proposal outright

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez pushed back strongly against any notion of annexation. Speaking in The Hague at the International Court of Justice amid an ongoing territorial dispute with Guyana, she declared that Venezuela “has no plans” to become a US state.

“We are a free nation, not a colony,” Rodríguez said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to defending its “integrity, sovereignty, independence and history.” She stressed that while relations with Washington have seen some improvement, national independence remains untouchable.

Improved ties amid tensions

Rodríguez’s government has taken steps to mend fences with the United States since assuming office, including opening up the oil and mining sectors to greater foreign investment. Oil production has reportedly climbed, reaching levels not seen in years, with companies like ExxonMobil showing renewed interest.

Yet her remarks in The Hague underscore persistent sensitivities. Venezuelan officials appear keen on economic cooperation but wary of any perceived threat to sovereignty, a stance rooted in the country’s long history of resisting external influence.

Uranium removal marks security win

In a separate but related development, the US Department of Energy announced the successful removal of 13.5 kg of enriched uranium from Venezuela’s RV-1 research reactor. The joint operation involved US, UK, and Venezuelan authorities, with the material transported securely to North America.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) described the effort as a “complex and sensitive operation” and a significant step for regional and global nuclear security. Officials called it a “global security success,” reducing risks associated with surplus highly enriched uranium.

The reactor, which once supported physics research, had seen its operations wind down decades ago, leaving the material as surplus.

Broader implications for region

The controversy arrives at a delicate moment for Latin America. Trump’s comments have divided opinions, with some US lawmakers hailing potential energy gains while critics warn of imperial overreach. In Venezuela, public reactions appear mixed, with many citizens focused more on economic recovery than abstract sovereignty debates.

Analysts note that while turning Venezuela into a US state faces massive legal and practical hurdles — requiring congressional approval and clear consent — the rhetoric itself has already strained diplomatic channels.

What lies ahead

As Trump continues his engagements in China, eyes remain on how Washington and Caracas manage the fallout. Venezuelan authorities are expected to continue balancing economic engagement with firm assertions of independence. The uranium removal, meanwhile, stands as a tangible example of ongoing security cooperation between the two sides.

For now, the “51st state” remark has put the spotlight firmly on US-Venezuela relations, testing the limits of their evolving partnership.