Trump Rules Out Fresh Attack on Iran Before US Midterm Elections

Trump Rules Out Iran Strike Before US Midterm Elections, Cites ‘Productive’ Talks

US President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out launching new attacks on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, saying Washington was engaged in “productive discussions” with Tehran.

His remarks on Truth Social came after oil prices surged amid media reports suggesting that the White House had asked the Pentagon to prepare options for potential strikes against Iranian targets ahead of the elections.

“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, offering no further details about the talks.

The Atlantic reported on Wednesday that the White House had asked the Pentagon to develop options for strikes on Iranian targets that could be carried out before the midterms. The New York Times published a similar report on Thursday, saying preparations were underway despite Trump's reported ambivalence.

Crude oil prices have also been driven higher by persistent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and hostilities involving Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.

Opinion polls indicate that US voters are increasingly dissatisfied with rising fuel prices, which have been linked to the conflict launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.

Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, climbed to $105.88 a barrel before retreating to $104.28.

Putin Pledges Support for Ending Middle East War

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged on Thursday to “do everything” within Moscow's power to help end the Middle East conflict during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Putin made the remarks after arriving in Turkmenistan for a Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit scheduled to begin on Friday in Avaza, a resort on the Caspian Sea.

“We are ready to do everything that is in our power to contribute to the settlement of this situation,” Putin said, according to Russian media.

He also said Iran had made “real efforts to end the war,” Russian news agencies reported.

Moscow and Tehran have strengthened their diplomatic and military ties since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with both countries becoming increasingly reliant on one another.

Trump has repeatedly claimed in recent weeks that the United States has effectively won the war against Iran, despite continuing instability and a recent security threat that forced American bombers to leave a base in England.

However, his assurances that fuel prices would decline once the conflict ends have yet to ease voters' concerns over rising costs.

Midterm Elections Pose Political Challenge for Trump

The November midterm elections will play a crucial role in determining the political landscape during the final two years of Trump's presidential term, with Republicans facing the possibility of losing control of Congress.

Although Trump himself is not on the ballot, he has been holding numerous campaign rallies in an effort to limit potential Republican losses and improve the party's electoral prospects.

The president has warned that he could face a third impeachment if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, the White House is preparing for possible investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of power.

Trump also sought on Thursday to defuse criticism over comments he made at a rally earlier this week, when he referred to the possibility of Iran “taking out” the US cities of Los Angeles and San Diego.

The 80-year-old president blamed what he described as “fake and artificial news” for misrepresenting his remarks, which Democrats had seized upon to criticise him.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said his comments were intended to argue that a temporary rise in gasoline prices was a small cost to pay to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“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?” he wrote.