# Trump's Middle East Policy Creates Risks Ahead of Elections Iran crisis and oil prices challenge Trump's pre-election balance. - **Source:** [Fortune | FORTUNE](https://brifing.si/source/769282ef-327a-4454-909a-3c7936216004) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/aca470d0-25b8-48a8-9994-d76d48c85305 ## Iran Crisis and Elections The Trump administration has failed to achieve desired results in the Iran crisis. The dispute over the Strait of Hormuz continues, posing a political risk ahead of the elections. Iran is waiting for Trump to lose political power. ## Impact of Oil Prices Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have driven up oil prices. Trump is aware that high oil prices could anger voters. This situation could become a significant factor in the elections. ## Political Balance If Trump withdraws from the Iran crisis, he will appear weak; if he continues, high oil prices will upset voters. Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says this creates a dilemma for Trump. ## Importance of the Strait of Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz is the heart of global oil trade. Iran's influence in this region directly impacts oil supply and prices, posing a major risk to the U.S. economy. ## Pressure on Big Oil Companies Trump is pressuring oil companies to lower prices. However, pump prices rising immediately after military operations reduce the effectiveness of this pressure. ## Major Risk in Elections Rising oil prices could diminish Trump's chances in the elections. According to Ross, this situation could even increase the risk of impeachment. The elections will determine the future of the Iran crisis. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/07/23/trump-catch-22-iran-oil-inflation-withdraw-midterms/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._