Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Trump Rules Out Iran Attack Before November Midterms
Donald Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 elections.
He said the two countries were having productive discussions, but did not give details.
He also said the US blockade of Iranian ports would continue and that Iran should not get a nuclear weapon.
Trump claimed that 22 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz the night before.
Some news reports said US officials were preparing options for possible strikes, which contrasted with Trump's announcement.
Iran's foreign minister said the countries were still exchanging messages through intermediaries.
Iran was reviewing the US response to a proposal from Tehran.
Oil prices rose as people worried about conflict and supply disruptions, then some reports said prices fell back after Trump's statement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also said Russia would do what it could to help end the war.
Donald Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, while describing discussions with Tehran as productive.
Trump said the blockade of Iranian ports would remain in force and reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
He claimed 22 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz the previous night, with none coming from or going to Iran.
Media reports said the White House or Pentagon was preparing options for possible strikes on Iran, despite Trump's public assurance.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations continued through intermediaries as Tehran reviewed Washington's response to an Iranian proposal; oil prices moved in response to changing strike and supply concerns.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump and Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi; Russian President Vladimir Putin also met Iran's president.
- What
- Trump ruled out a US attack on Iran before the midterms while saying talks were productive and the blockade would continue.
- When
- Thursday; Trump referred to the November 3 midterm elections.
- Where
- The United States and Iran; the Strait of Hormuz is central to the dispute.
- Why
- The announcement came amid continuing conflict, negotiations over ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and reports of possible US strike planning.
United States
Iran
Blockade and Strait of Hormuz
United States
Trump said the blockade would remain in force and claimed large volumes of oil were passing through the strait.
Iran
Iran has said normal shipping through the strait cannot resume until conditions agreed in earlier negotiations are met.
Nuclear program
United States
Trump reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
Iran
Iran has maintained that it will not abandon its right to uranium enrichment.
Negotiations and military action
United States
Trump described discussions as productive and said the United States would not attack Iran before the midterms; US media also reported possible strike planning.
Iran
Araghchi said negotiations were continuing through intermediaries. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was engaged in dialogue but accused the United States of attacking during past negotiations and pursuing a unilateral approach.
- Attack timeline
- Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections.
- Blockade
- Trump said the blockade of Iranian ports would remain in full force.
- Oil-flow claim
- Trump claimed 22 million barrels passed through the Strait of Hormuz the previous night, with none coming from or going to Iran.
- Iranian proposal
- Araghchi said Iran was reviewing the US response to a proposal Tehran described as a seven-day plan.
- Reported strike planning
- The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Axios reported preparations or options for possible strikes; accounts differed on the plans' details.
- Oil prices
- Reports said Brent crude rose above $105 a barrel amid strike and supply concerns; some accounts said prices retreated after Trump's statement, while another reported Brent closed at $104.28.
- Russia's position
- Vladimir Putin said Russia was ready to do what it could to help settle the conflict.
- US sanctions
- The United States announced new Iran-related sanctions, including measures targeting 17 vessels described as part of Iran's shadow fleet.
Sources
Trump rules out Iran attack before US midterms, says Washington in ‘productive discussions’ with Tehran
US Iran War Live News Updates: US military ordered to be ready for possible Iran strikes
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Trump says US will not attack Iran before November 3 midterm elections, blockade to continue
Trump Rules Out Iran Attack Before US Midterms, Cites Productive Talks
