United States President Donald Trump has ruled out launching fresh military strikes against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, citing what he described as productive discussions between Washington and Tehran.
Trump made the announcement on Thursday through his Truth Social platform, amid rising global oil prices following reports that the United States was considering additional military action against Iranian targets before the elections.
The US president said Iran was facing serious economic and military difficulties but maintained that the American blockade against 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.
He added that the United States was engaged in productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Trump’s announcement came after The Atlantic reported on Wednesday that the White House had asked the Pentagon to prepare options for possible strikes against Iranian targets before the midterm elections.
The New York Times also reported on Thursday that military plans were being developed despite uncertainty over Trump’s position on further attacks.
The reports contributed to a rise in crude oil prices as traders reacted to the possibility of renewed military action in the Middle East.
Oil prices have also been affected by continuing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments, as well as hostilities involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.
American voters have expressed strong dissatisfaction with rising fuel prices, which have increased since US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28 triggered the conflict.
Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, climbed to $105.88 per barrel on Thursday before retreating to $104.28.
Putin Offers to Help End Middle East War
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to do everything within Russia’s power to help bring an end to the Middle East conflict.
Putin made the commitment on Thursday during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Turkmenistan, ahead of a regional summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States scheduled to begin on Friday in Avaza, a resort on the Caspian Sea.
According to Russian media reports, Putin said Moscow was prepared to contribute to efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
He also said Iran had made genuine efforts to end the war.
Russia and Iran have strengthened their diplomatic and military cooperation since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with both countries increasingly relying on their relationship.
However, Pezeshkian expressed doubts about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Washington, accusing the United States of repeatedly attacking Iran during periods of negotiations.
Iranian state media quoted the Iranian president as saying that Tehran was engaged in dialogue but faced renewed attacks whenever negotiations with Washington began.
Pezeshkian said Iran wanted a final framework that would bring the conflict to an end. He also accused the United States of attempting to impose its policies and positions on other countries.
He warned that a resolution would remain difficult if Washington continued to pursue what he described as a unilateral approach.
Midterm Elections Put Pressure on Trump
Trump’s decision to rule out further attacks before November 3 comes as the United States approaches a crucial midterm election that could determine the balance of power in Congress during the final two years of his presidency.
Although Trump is not a candidate in the elections, he has been holding campaign rallies to support Republican candidates and prevent his party from losing its current control of Congress.
The president has warned that he could face a third impeachment if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives.
The White House is also preparing for the possibility of investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of power should Democrats secure greater influence in Congress.
The rising cost of fuel has become another major political concern for the administration, as voters continue to feel the impact of higher energy prices.
Trump has repeatedly claimed in recent weeks that the United States has effectively won the war against Iran, despite continued tensions and security concerns.
A recent threat reportedly forced the withdrawal of American bombers from a military base in England, highlighting the continuing risks associated with the conflict.
Trump Defends Controversial Remarks on US Cities
The president also sought to clarify controversial remarks he made at a rally earlier in the week, when he spoke about Iran potentially attacking the American cities of Los Angeles and San Diego.
His comments attracted criticism from Democrats, who accused him of making alarming statements about the potential consequences of the conflict.
Trump dismissed the criticism, blaming what he called fake and artificial news for misrepresenting his remarks.
In a post on Truth Social, he explained that he had been referring to the temporary increase in petrol prices as a small sacrifice compared with the risk of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
He argued that Americans should consider the potential consequences if Iran were to bomb major US cities such as San Diego or Los Angeles.
The controversy has added to the political challenges facing the president as he seeks to reassure voters over the war, energy prices and national security ahead of the midterm elections.
With oil prices remaining elevated and diplomatic efforts continuing, Trump’s pledge to avoid new attacks before November 3 could provide temporary reassurance to energy markets. However, the continuation of the blockade and the absence of a final agreement with Tehran mean that tensions between the two countries remain unresolved.
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