Trump rules out new Iran attack before US midterm elections

President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out attacking Iran before the US midterm elections on November 3rd, stating that Washington was engaged in productive discussions with Tehran. This announcement came after oil prices surged, driven by reports of potential new US strikes prior to the elections. Trump emphasized that Iran is in a dire economic and military situation, and the blockade against the country would remain in full effect.

He reiterated that no attack on Iran would occur prior to the midterm elections, without offering further details. The Atlantic magazine reported on Wednesday that the White House had asked the Pentagon to develop strike options on Iranian targets that could be used before the midterms, despite Trump's reservations. The New York Times published a similar report on Thursday, stating that these plans were being developed despite Trump's ambivalence.

The increase in crude oil prices has been attributed to persistent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic oil trade chokepoint, as well as hostilities between Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. A recent incident involved an oil tanker off the coast of Qatar, which was hit by multiple projectiles, resulting in unspecified casualties.

Polls indicate that US voters are highly dissatisfied with rising fuel prices, which have been linked to the conflict initiated by the US and Israel against Iran in February. Despite Trump's assertions that the war with Iran has been won, voters remain unconvinced, as gas prices continue to rise. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the US has effectively won the Iran war, even as unrest persists and a recent security threat prompted the withdrawal of American bombers from a base in England.

However, voters have largely dismissed Trump's claims that gas prices will fall once the Iran war concludes. The midterm elections will significantly impact the remainder of Trump's presidential term, as his Republican Party risks losing control of Congress. Although Trump is not a candidate in the elections, he remains heavily involved in the campaign, holding numerous rallies to mitigate potential damage or even shift the political tide.

Trump warned that he faces a possible third impeachment if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives, and the White House is preparing for multiple investigations into corruption and abuse of power. Trump also attempted to quell outrage on Thursday over his comments at a rally earlier in the week that Iran could target US cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego.

Trump attributed the remarks to "fake and artificial news" and blamed Democrats for misinterpreting his comments.