‘Democrats did a good job’: Trump congratulates Democrats on midterm wins

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that rising petrol prices linked to the war in Iran played a role in his Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections.

In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump argued that voters broadly supported his actions against Iran but were unwilling to bear the short-term financial consequences of the conflict.

"I don't think it's the war. I think it's a gasoline price. People agree with what I'm doing on Iran, but they really probably weren't willing to do the short-term consequence of paying more for gasoline," he said.

Trump described the higher fuel costs as a short-term problem that could bring longer-term benefits, while acknowledging voters' concerns.

In a surprisingly conciliatory tone, the president also praised his Democratic opponents for their campaign efforts. "I think the Democrats did a good job. I really do. They fought hard," he said.