Trump says US will not resume military strikes on Iran before the Nov. 3 midterm elections

President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that the United States will not launch any military strikes against Iran prior to the November 3 midterm elections in the U.S. While campaigning for Republicans, Trump had previously suggested an end to the war could occur in the days leading up to or after the election. However, he clarified Thursday that his administration has been engaging in productive discussions with Iran.

The U.S. and Iran signed a six-week interim deal in June for a ceasefire and framework of a permanent peace, but it fell apart due to renewed military actions and disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Trump's mixed feelings about ending the war now, he acknowledged that the U.S. is gaining leverage as oil tankers navigate the Strait of Hormuz safely and Gulf countries are exporting oil at near-prewar levels.

The situation has been further complicated by Saudi Arabia and Yemen's military campaign against Houthi rebels, who have targeted Saudi infrastructure with drones and missiles. In response, the U.S. has dispatched additional military resources, including a third aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which may arrive as early as the end of October.