Trump says U.S. will not attack Iran before November midterm elections
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would not carry out military strikes against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections.
The decision, posted on his Truth Social account, emphasized that Washington was engaged in "productive discussions" with Tehran while maintaining the naval blockade that has halted Iranian oil exports.
"We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump wrote. "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’s declaration arrived a day after media reports that the Pentagon had instructed U.S. Central Command to finalize plans for a potential resumption of major combat operations, including possible strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. Axios, NBC News and The Atlantic had all noted the preparation, though no final launch order had been issued.
Despite the pledge to hold fire, the administration said the blockade would remain fully in effect. Trump highlighted record oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, noting that 22 million barrels moved the previous night, none of which originated from or were destined for Iran. CENTCOM later reported that U.S. forces had helped move more than 1.25 billion barrels of crude from Gulf partners while preventing Iranian oil from reaching the market.
Diplomatic talks continued on both sides. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed indirect negotiations and said Tehran was reviewing a U.S. response to a seven‑day proposal that seeks relief from sanctions and frozen assets in exchange for steps toward reopening the strait. Iran’s atomic energy chief, Mohammad Eslami, reiterated that uranium enrichment would remain an integral part of the program, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance pressed for reductions in Tehran’s enrichment capabilities.
The Trump administration underscored its central demand that Iran not develop a nuclear weapon, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the blockade as pushing Iran toward zero oil income. While the president ruled out a pre‑election attack, he left open the possibility of military action after the November vote.
Observers noted that the announcement could calm markets and reduce the risk of escalation ahead of the midterms, but they also warned that the underlying tensions remain high and that any breakdown in negotiations could revive the previously prepared strike plans.
