Trump Rules Out Iran Attack in Most Dangerous Countries Before US Midterm Elections
US President Donald Trump ruled out attacking Iran, one of the most dangerous countries, before the November 3 midterm elections, stating that Washington is holding productive discussions with Tehran amid high oil prices and ongoing regional tensions. [1]
Trump Rules Out Pre-Midterm Attack
President Donald Trump ruled out Thursday attacking Iran before the US midterms on November 3. [1] Trump’s announcement on his Truth Social platform followed a surge in oil prices driven by media reports suggesting potential new US strikes prior to the elections. [1] The Atlantic magazine reported on Wednesday that the White House had asked the Pentagon to develop options to strike Iranian targets that could be used before the midterms. [1] The New York Times said Thursday the plans were being developed despite Trump’s ambivalence. [1] Trump’s statement came after several news sites, including Axios, reported that the Pentagon was preparing for a resumption of high-intensity strikes on Iran. [4] The Atlantic also reported Trump is weighing attacking Iran before the US midterm elections. [4]
Productive Discussions Claimed
Trump posted on Truth Social that while Iran is in bad economic and military condition and the blockade remains in force, there will be no attack prior to the midterms. [1] “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,” he wrote. [1] “We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added. [1] U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that Washington was holding productive talks with Iran and would not launch attacks against the country before the November 3 midterm elections. [3] Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he will make it clear to everyone that the United States would not attack Iran at any time before the midterms. [3]
Oil Prices Spike on Tensions
Oil prices surged, with Brent crude reaching as high as $105.88 a barrel. [1] The surge in crude oil prices has also been fueled by persistent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as well as hostilities between Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia. [1] Polls suggest American voters are strongly dissatisfied with fuel prices, which have soared since US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28 triggered the conflict. [1] Brent North Sea crude, the international benchmark, rallied to as high as $105.88 a barrel on Thursday before retreating to $104.28. [1] Trump says no strike on Iran before midterm elections, tankers attacked in Hormuz. [2] IRGC officials say they still retain control over Hormuz, with nightly operations conducted on tankers moving through illegal routes. [2]
Putin Pledges Support for Settlement
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and vowed to do everything possible to help end the Middle East war, noting Iran's real efforts toward settlement. [1] Russian President Vladimir Putin promised Thursday to do everything to help end the Middle East war when he met Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian for talks ahead of a regional summit. [1] “We are ready to do everything that is in our power to contribute to the settlement of this situation,” Putin said after arriving in Turkmenistan for a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States that starts Friday in the Caspian Sea resort of Avaza. [1] He added that Iran had made real efforts to end the war, according to Russian news agencies. [1] Russia and Iran have reinforced diplomatic and military links since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine in February 2022. [1] Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a meeting in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, on Thursday. [5]
Iranian Leader's Accusations
Pezeshkian accused the US of imposing unilateral policies and attacking after negotiations, while calling for a final framework to end the conflict. [1] Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted Tehran was engaged in dialogue, but every time we negotiate with the United States, they attack again, Iranian state media quoted him as saying at the talks with Putin. [1] Pezeshkian said the Islamic republic wanted to see a final framework to end the war. [1] But he accused the United States of trying to impose its policies and views on all countries. [1] If the United States insists on pursuing a unilateral approach, a resolution will not be possible, he said, according to state media. [1]
Midterm Elections Context
The midterm elections will shape the final two years of Trump’s presidential term as his Republican Party risks losing its current grip on Congress. [1] Although Trump is not on the ballot, he is holding numerous rallies in an attempt to limit the damage or even turn the political tide. [1] Trump has warned he faces a possible third impeachment if Democrats retake the House of Representatives, and the White House is preparing for a slew of investigations into corruption and abuse of power. [1] The US president also sought to calm a furor on Thursday over his comments at a rally earlier this week that Iran could take out the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. [1] The 80-year-old blamed the fake and artificial news for misinterpreting the remarks, which Democrats pounced on. [1] In actuality, what I was talking about was that a temporary increase in the price of Gasoline is a small price to pay for Iran not having a Nuclear Weapon and, if you want to see a big price, can you imagine what it would be like if they bombed San Diego and/or Los Angeles? Trump said on Truth Social. [1]
What to watch next: The war in Yemen rages on between the Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudi-backed internationally recognised government, while Israeli attacks continue on Gaza, occupied West Bank, and southern Lebanon despite any alleged ceasefire agreements. [2]
