Exclusive subscriber panel event - Trump’s midterm test

US President Donald Trump has explicitly stated that the United States will not launch any military strikes against Iran prior to the upcoming midterm elections on November 3rd, according to his post on Truth Social platform. Trump emphasized that Iran is in a dire state, both economically and militarily, and the embargo will continue to be enforced.

However, the administration is engaged in constructive dialogue with the Islamic Republic of Iran, he stated, without offering further specifics. The Atlantic magazine revealed on Wednesday that the White House had prompted the Pentagon to consider strike options on Iranian targets potentially deployable before the midterms. The New York Times echoed these allegations on Thursday, disclosing that such plans were under development despite Trump's apparent reservations.

The surge in crude oil prices can be attributed to persistent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, as well as confrontations between Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The recent escalation saw an oil tanker off Qatar's north coast sustaining multiple projectile strikes, leading to an unspecified number of casualties, as reported by the UKMTO maritime agency.

Polls indicate that American voters are deeply dissatisfied with the surging fuel prices, a consequence of the conflict initiated by the US and Israel against Iran in February. Despite Trump's repeated assertions that the US has triumphed in the Iran war, these claims have been met with voter skepticism, as oil prices continue to soar.

The midterm elections will significantly impact the final two years of Trump's presidency, as his Republican Party faces the possibility of losing control of Congress. Although Trump is not running for office, he plays an active role in the campaign, delivering several rallies to mitigate potential losses or even reverse the political trajectory.

Trump denied any intention to attack San Diego or Los Angeles in a recent rally, attributing the confusion to "fake and artificial news," which Democrats swiftly criticized. The President stated that the temporary increase in gasoline prices is a minor sacrifice to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon; otherwise, the consequences would be catastrophic if Iran were to bomb those cities.