World · Middle East · 3 days ago
Trump rules out US attacks on Iran before November midterm elections
US President Donald Trump said the United States will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections.
He said Washington and Tehran are having “productive discussions,” after reports that US officials were preparing options for new strikes.
The statement concerns a conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran that began in February and has affected shipping and energy supplies in the region.
Trump said the US blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place, and the Treasury Department announced new sanctions on 17 vessels accused of helping Iran evade existing sanctions.
Disruptions to oil shipping have pushed up energy prices, adding to cost-of-living concerns ahead of the vote.
The elections will decide control of Congress, where Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers.
Iran has said it is considering a US proposal and planned to respond within the next few days.
Donald Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections.
He said Washington and Tehran were having “productive discussions” and that a blockade of Iranian ports would remain in force.
The announcement followed reports that US officials were preparing options for renewed strikes, including against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear targets.
The sources link the decision to rising energy costs and political concerns ahead of elections that will determine control of Congress.
The US imposed new sanctions on 17 vessels that officials alleged were part of Iran’s “shadow fleet.”
- Who
- US President Donald Trump announced the decision.
- What
- He said the United States would not attack Iran before the midterm elections. He said discussions with Iran were productive.
- When
- Thursday, October 8, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Trump cited productive discussions with Iran. The sources also report that rising energy costs and political concerns were factors in the context of the decision.
US administration
Iran
Aspect
US administration
The US said it would maintain a blockade of Iranian ports and had sent Tehran a counterproposal.
Iran
Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and was considering the US counterproposal.
We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran
We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd
We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections
Trump said the war with Iran would end “immediately” after the midterm elections.
Top US administration officials traveled to Camp David to discuss Iran and longer-term planning for the war.
Trump said the United States still had unfinished business with Iran.
Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before the November midterm elections.
- Election date
- November 3, 2026
- Sanctioned vessels
- 17
- Oil flows through Hormuz
- Almost 90 percent of pre-war levels in late September, according to Kpler
- Diesel price rise
- 14 percent over the last month, to around $6 per gallon in the US
- Congress
- Republicans held narrow majorities in both chambers before the elections
Sources
Trump Says U.S. Will Not Strike Iran Again Before Midterms as Military Draws Up New Plans
Trump rules out new attack on Iran until after midterms as oil prices spike
Trump says US ‘will not be attacking Iran’ before midterm elections
Trump says US will not attack Iran before November midterms
Trump rules out attack on Iran before midterm elections
Trump says he will not attack Iran before the midterm election
U.S. will not attack Iran before midterm elections in November, Trump says
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