President Trump told the Wall Street Journal the Iran war was partly responsible
for the Republican losses in the midterms but he does not regret initiating the
conflict. He said he has tried for months to end the fighting and complained to
advisers it has become a persistent problem. Trump blamed the biggest politician
hit on surging oil prices and the jump in US gasoline and diesel costs, not on
broader economic weakness or corruption allegations. He said he does not plan
personnel changes and defended Defense Secretary Hegseth, who led the
operations, saying he is excellent.
