President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States would not launch new military strikes against Iran before the November 3 congressional midterm elections, citing progress in diplomatic discussions with Tehran despite continuing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The US president said Washington would maintain its naval blockade of Iranian oil shipments while negotiations continued.
“We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd,” he wrote, adding, “IRAN WILL NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!”
The announcement followed reports that the Pentagon was preparing options for renewed large-scale strikes against Iranian military, energy, and nuclear facilities. Axios reported that US Central Command had been instructed to complete preparations for potential operations.
Washington and Tehran have exchanged proposals aimed at ending the conflict, which began February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran. A temporary ceasefire agreement reached in June subsequently collapsed as fighting resumed and disputes over control of Hormuz continued.
The strategic waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies passed before the war, has experienced severe shipping disruptions, contributing to higher energy prices worldwide.
President Trump’s announcement helped ease market concerns. Brent crude fell to approximately $103 a barrel Friday after previously climbing above $104 on fears of renewed military action.
The administration also announced additional sanctions Thursday targeting networks and vessels involved in transporting Iranian petroleum, maintaining economic pressure despite the diplomatic opening.
The conflict has become a growing domestic political concern as Republicans prepare for the midterms. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 60% of Americans disapproved of President Trump’s handling of the war.
Although the US president has ruled out attacks before November 3, he has left open the possibility of renewed military operations afterward if negotiations fail.
