Trump Rules out Attack on Iran Before US Midterm Elections
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Iran was in a difficult economic and military situation but that the US blockade of the country would remain in place.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — US President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, while saying Washington is holding “productive discussions” with Tehran.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Iran was in a difficult economic and military situation but that the US blockade of the country would remain in place.
“I want to make it clear to everybody that, while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect...we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections,” Trump wrote.
“We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added, without providing details about the talks.
Trump’s remarks came as oil prices rose sharply on Thursday following media reports suggesting that the United States could launch new strikes against Iran before the elections.
Oil markets have also been affected by continuing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes, as well as renewed hostilities between Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia.
On Wednesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said an oil tanker sailing off Qatar’s northern coast reported being struck by multiple projectiles, with an unspecified number of casualties.
Rising fuel prices have emerged as a political concern in the United States ahead of the November elections. Polling has indicated dissatisfaction among voters over fuel costs as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues.
The November 3 elections will determine control of Congress for the remainder of Trump’s term. Although Trump himself is not on the ballot, he has played an active role in the Republican campaign, appearing at rallies and campaigning for Republican candidates.
The outcome will determine the balance of power in Congress during the final two years of Trump’s presidency.