The ongoing conflict between the US and Iran does not seem to be ending anytime soon, former US government official Brett McGurk has predicted. He said that this conflict is likely to continue until the end of US President Donald Trump's term, and that the Iran problem is likely to remain the same for the next president. He said that there is currently no clear path to a full-fledged agreement with Iran.

McGurk said that economic sanctions on Iran, occasional military strikes, and interim ceasefire agreements are likely to continue. He believes that a permanent solution to the problem will be difficult unless there is a major change in the Iranian political system. He said that reaching an agreement on the nuclear issue will be even more difficult.

The Trump administration, however, is continuing both diplomatic negotiations and military pressure. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that the goal is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He said that the path of negotiations has also been kept open while being prepared for military action if necessary.

Concerns about US energy supplies continue due to the threat of attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf region. Wright acknowledged that the war could push up oil and gas prices. However, he predicted that increased oil supplies from the Strait of Hormuz and record US oil production could push down petrol and diesel prices in the coming weeks.

The recent escalation of tensions in the Gulf region has also had an impact on the oil market. Brent crude rose more than 4 percent to $102.31 a barrel on October 1. Fears of further attacks from Iran are weighing on the market.

The war has also become a political issue in the US. Public concern over rising fuel prices is growing as the November midterm elections approach. A recent CBS poll found that nine in 10 Americans believe the Iran conflict has caused higher petrol and oil prices in the US.