Trump and Iran agree on one thing. The US election calendar isn’t driving their decisions on the war

US President Donald Trump vowed to swiftly conclude the conflict with Iran, either through diplomatic talks or military intervention, as hostilities in Yemen surged and tensions along shipping routes mounted. At a campaign rally in Syracuse, New York, Trump declared the war would be resolved "very quick, one way or the other," warning Iran that Tehran must either cooperate fully or face existence.

He asserted that oil prices would plummet once the conflict concluded, citing increased volumes passing through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began. Trump also implored refiners and fuel distributors to reduce prices. His comments came after Washington pledged not to launch additional strikes against Iran prior to the November 3 midterm elections, though he left the door open for renewed military action afterward.

Diplomatic efforts gained momentum, with Russia expressing willingness to participate in negotiations following talks with President Vladimir Putin. The Saudi-led coalition reported destroying 136 Houthi military assets in Yemen during a major offensive, targeting missile launch sites and radar systems. The internationally recognized Yemeni government claimed its forces launched over 2,750 strikes, eliminating more than 1,400 Houthi militants, though verification of these claims was unavailable.

The intensifying war followed Houthi assaults on Saudi airports, resulting in the deaths of three Saudi citizens in Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. Shipping concerns remained as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for hitting the LPG carrier NV Sunshine near the Strait of Hormuz, threatening vessels that deviate from authorized routes.

US Central Command stated that US forces had moved 133 commercial ships under Washington's embargo against Iran. Oil prices dipped on Friday after Trump's pledge to avoid new strikes before the elections, with Brent crude falling 1.1% to $103.18 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate decreasing 0.5% to $91.00 by 13:30 GMT.