According to a report by Al Jazeera English on Sunday October 25, 2026, former US President Barack Obama has criticised President Donald Trump’s war on Iran, arguing that the conflict has contributed to rising oil prices and increased the cost of everyday goods.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Ohio ahead of the US midterm elections, Obama contrasted the current war with his administration’s approach to Iran, saying diplomacy had previously been used to limit Tehran’s nuclear ambitions without resorting to military action.

Obama maintained that the nuclear agreement reached during his presidency had helped prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, arguing that negotiations had achieved results without the need to launch missiles.

He also pointed to Iran’s growing leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which much of the world’s oil supply passes. The conflict has raised concerns about the security of energy shipments and the potential consequences for global markets.

“This is the reason why the price of just about everything is up,” Obama said, linking the war to increases in oil and diesel prices.

His remarks come as rising energy costs add to economic concerns ahead of the November midterm elections. Obama’s comments also stressed the political divide over Trump’s decision to pursue military action against Iran, with the former president advocating diplomacy as an alternative to war.

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