Trump Rules Out New Iran Attack Before US Midterm Elections

On November 3rd, President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will not resume military strikes on Iran prior to the midterm elections in the United States. Trump has previously hinted at the possibility of a post-election escalation in the seven-month-long war, but he has now firmly stated that any such action will be avoided.

The U.S. and Iran had recently signed an interim agreement aimed at establishing a 60-day ceasefire and a framework for a permanent peace deal. However, the deal fell apart due to renewed military actions and disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the breakdown of the agreement, Iran has proposed a counterproposal, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expects Tehran to provide a formal response within days.

In a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, Trump expressed his mixed feelings about ending the war at this point, stating that he believes the U.S. is gaining leverage due to greater success in helping oil tankers traverse the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf allies' oil to market, while Iran's oil exports have been severely impacted by a Navy blockade.