Trump Rules Out Striking Iran Before US Midterm Elections

US President Donald Trump has ruled out any American attack on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, saying Washington is engaged in productive discussions with Tehran.

Trump made this known in a post on Truth Social on Thursday, amid reports that his administration had been considering fresh military action against Iran before the elections.

“We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump said.

He added that while Iran was in “very bad condition”, the US would not launch an attack before the midterm elections.

“We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd,” Trump said.

The US president also said the American blockade of Iranian ports remained in place, while oil continued to flow through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s statement came a day after reports that the Pentagon had been directed to prepare military options for possible renewed operations against Iran, with officials saying no final decision had been made on whether to resume attacks.

The reports had raised the possibility of fresh US strikes before the midterm elections, making Trump’s latest statement a direct indication that Washington would not take military action against Iran during that period.

Trump has repeatedly said Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, while diplomatic efforts continue over the conflict.

The US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats up for election.