Trump says it's largely true Iran war hurt Republicans in midterms, but says he would do it again

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the war with Iran contributed to the Republican Party's crushing defeat in the midterm elections, particularly by driving up petrol prices and adding to the financial pressure on American households. However, he has refused to reconsider the military campaign, insisting that preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons was worth the political cost.

"I think it's largely true because it drove the gasoline up... At the same time, if I had to do it again, I'd have to do it again because long-term, it's the only answer. You can't let Iran have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.

The president made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the White House ballroom construction site, where he was discussing renovation work at the White House and other projects in Washington. He was not directly addressing the Republican Party's electoral defeat when he made the comments.

This is a developing story. It will be updated. - Ends