The Republican Party in the United States is revising its strategy for the upcoming November midterm elections as fuel prices rise, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings fall, and the war with Iran continues. At a closed-door meeting in Washington’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, senior conservative campaign officials and Trump’s advisers outlined a plan to mobilize his loyal supporters while avoiding framing the election as a referendum on the unpopular president. White House Chief of Staff Suzie Wiles and political director James Blair urged candidates to emphasize Republican tax cuts and anti-inflation policies instead of focusing on Trump himself.

Recent Reuters and Ipsos polling shows Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 36 percent, with concerns inside his party over his temperament and controversial remarks. The ongoing two-month conflict with Iran has disrupted global energy supplies, pushing U.S. gasoline prices near $4 per gallon. Republican strategists fear that making Trump the central figure could allow Democrats to portray GOP candidates as mere extensions of the president. Instead, candidates are being advised to focus on local issues, though party officials maintain Trump remains a key motivator for voter turnout.

Middle East analyst Aaron David Miller noted that Iran appears to be exercising patience, believing Trump’s capacity to withstand economic and political pressure is limited.