Another TACO in Tehran? It’s the midterm math, stupid

Swaminathan Anklesaria Aiyar
Apr 11, 2026 | 19:39 IST
Will He Pay The Price? Even a quick exit from Iran may not necessarily save Donald Trump from the political fallout of inflation in the coming midterms in Nov

Even with the ceasefire in West Asia, it may take time for oil prices to come down. This will deal a heavy blow to Trump

For all the ideological descriptions of the US as an imperialist power, the American public is fundamentally uninterested in long conflicts in distant lands. This first became clear in the Korean War. After three years of war, the US said enough and settled for the status quo in Korea.

That lack of political stamina was exhibited later in Vietnam, where it gave up after nine years. In Afghanistan, it gave up after 19 years and 10 months. It is now preparing to exit Iran, although the conflict may continue for some more time as the peace talks will have to overcome several sticking points, such as whether the ceasefire covers Lebanon, whether Iran will allow free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and the thorny nuclear issue. But what is clear is that the US is anxious to wind up hostilities quickly.
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