Trump rules out new Iran attack before US midterm elections

US President Donald Trump has stated that he will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections. According to Trump, Washington is holding "productive discussions" with Tehran.

This announcement led to a slight easing of oil prices, which had surged earlier in the day due to reports that the US might launch fresh strikes on Iran before the vote. The reports had raised fears of further supply disruptions, particularly with US diesel prices at record highs.

The midterm elections will see Republicans fighting to keep control of both houses of Congress. Prior to Trump's statement, there were media reports suggesting potential new US strikes on Iran prior to the elections, which drove up oil prices. The Pentagon had submitted five military plans to President Trump for strikes against Iran and the Houthis, according to the New York Times, as reported by Ajel English.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Punch, Middle East Eye, Al-Monitor, Ajel English — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.