Trump Threatens Iran Strikes Again, Tehran Warns Longer War

US President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened to resume military strikes against Iran, telling an Iowa campaign rally he may have to "give them the hammer" ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. "The only reason why I'm not finished with Iran is I want to be nice... But at some point we're going to have to give them the hammer," the 80-year-old president said.

Iran responded through army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia, warning any renewed conflict "could last longer than previous conflict" and the US president "would not be in a position to dictate the timing or conditions of its conclusion." This follows earlier fighting between the two nations.

For Nigeria, escalating US-Iran tensions directly threaten global oil supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Previous flare-ups pushed Brent crude above $90/barrel—Nigeria's 2026 budget benchmarks oil at $75. Higher oil prices mean increased fuel costs domestically despite Dangote Refinery coming online, and pressure on the naira if global risk appetite falls.

The Trump administration has not specified targets or timeline. Iran's warning suggests Tehran calculates it can absorb and prolong any conflict.

With midterm elections three days away, will Trump's "hammer" rhetoric translate to actual strikes, or is this campaign pressure? How should Nigerian businesses hedge against another oil price shock?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/11/02/us-will-have-to-give-iran-the-hammer-at-some-point-trump/