Obama blames Trump’s Iran war for rising oil prices, calls midterms a ‘circuit breaker’
Former US President Barack Obama has accused Donald Trump of driving up living costs through his war with Iran and trade policies, urging Americans to use the November 3 midterm elections to hold the administration accountable.
Addressing a campaign rally in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday, Obama argued that the conflict with Iran had pushed up oil and diesel prices while putting American lives and military resources at risk. He described the upcoming elections as a crucial opportunity to limit what he called the administration’s excesses.
“This is the reason why the price of oil is up,” Obama said, linking rising fuel costs to the conflict and the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.
Defending his approach to Iran during his presidency, Obama said his administration had pursued diplomacy to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons.
He argued that the current conflict had come at a steep cost, pointing to attacks on US allies and military bases, American casualties and the depletion of missile stockpiles.
Obama’s remarks put the economic consequences of the war at the centre of his criticism. Higher oil prices can affect fuel costs and transport expenses, making the conflict an issue for consumers far beyond the battlefield.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for crude oil shipments to Asian markets, including India, making developments around the waterway important for major oil-importing countries.
Tariffs and immigration also draw fire
Obama also challenged Trump’s trade policy, arguing that tariffs add to the cost borne by consumers. He mocked the administration’s trade tensions with Canada, using humour to criticise the President’s approach.
On immigration, Obama said he supported an orderly and secure border but questioned the use of masked federal agents and the detention of law-abiding citizens. He also recalled facing criticism from Democrats during his own presidency over immigration enforcement.
The former President further accused Trump of using the office for personal benefit, citing business interests linked to the President’s family and taxpayer-funded contracts.
‘Circuit breaker’ for the Trump administration
Obama was campaigning for Democratic candidates Amy Acton, who is running for Ohio governor, and Sherrod Brown, the party’s Senate candidate challenging Republican Jon Husted.
He urged voters to support Democrats in the midterms, presenting the elections as a way to restrain the administration.
“This election is our last best chance to at least rein in some of the foolishness of this administration. It’s the circuit breaker in the system,” Obama said.
He also criticised Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy over a campaign advertisement targeting Acton.
After the Ohio rally, Obama travelled to Detroit to campaign for Democratic candidates in Michigan.
With IANS inputs