Trump rules out new Iran attack before US midterm elections

On Thursday, President Donald Trump ruled out attacking Iran before the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that while Iran is in poor economic and military shape, Washington will not launch attacks against the country prior to the midterms. He added that the blockade against Iran would remain in full force.

The announcement came after oil prices surged, driven by media reports suggesting potential new US strikes ahead of the elections. However, the Atlantic magazine reported that the White House had asked the Pentagon to explore strike options against Iranian targets that could be used before the midterms, despite Trump's apparent disapproval.

The tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and hostilities between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia have also contributed to the oil price surge. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to help end the Middle East war during talks with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian ahead of a regional summit. Pezeshkian criticized the US for trying to impose its policies on all countries, stating that Iran wants a "final framework" to end the conflict.