US President Donald Trump has ruled out launching fresh attacks on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, saying Washington is holding “productive discussions” with Tehran.
Gatekeepers News reports that Trump made the announcement on Thursday through his Truth Social platform, following a surge in oil prices fuelled by media reports suggesting that the United States was considering new strikes against Iranian targets before the elections.
“I want to make it clear to everybody that, while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect…we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections,” he wrote.
“We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added.
The Atlantic reported on Wednesday that the White House had asked the Pentagon to develop options for striking Iranian targets before the midterms.
The New York Times reported on Thursday that the military plans were being developed despite what it described as Trump’s “ambivalence” towards further attacks.
Oil prices have also been driven higher by persistent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for global oil shipments, and hostilities involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.
The conflict, triggered by US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, has intensified concerns about energy supplies and fuel costs. Polls cited in the report suggest that American voters are dissatisfied with rising petrol prices.
Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, climbed to $105.88 a barrel on Thursday before retreating to $104.28.
Putin pledges support for ending war
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to do everything within Moscow’s power to help end the Middle East conflict.
Putin made the commitment on Thursday during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Turkmenistan, ahead of a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) scheduled to begin on Friday in the Caspian Sea resort of Avaza.
“We are ready to do everything that is in our power to contribute to the settlement of this situation,” Putin said, according to Russian media reports.
He also said Iran had made “real efforts to end the war”, Russian news agencies reported.
Russia and Iran have strengthened their diplomatic and military ties since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with both countries increasingly relying on their relationship.
Trump has repeatedly claimed in recent weeks that the United States has effectively won the war against Iran, despite continued unrest and security concerns, including a recent threat that reportedly forced the withdrawal of American bombers from a base in England.
Pezeshkian, however, said Tehran remained committed to dialogue but accused Washington of undermining negotiations through repeated military action.
“We are engaged in dialogue, but every time we negotiate with the United States, they attack again,” Iranian state media quoted him as saying during the meeting with Putin.
The Iranian president said his country wanted a “final framework” to bring the war to an end.
However, he accused Washington of “trying to impose its policies and views on all countries”.
“If the United States insists on pursuing a unilateral approach, a resolution will not be possible,” he said, according to Iranian state media.
Midterm elections add pressure on Trump
The November 3 midterm elections will determine the balance of power in Congress during the final two years of Trump’s presidential term, with Republicans facing the possibility of losing their current control of the legislature.
Although Trump is not on the ballot, he has been holding rallies across the country in an effort to support Republican candidates and limit potential losses.
The president has warned that he could face a third impeachment if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives. The White House is also preparing for possible investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of power.
Against this backdrop, Trump on Thursday sought to clarify remarks he made at a rally earlier in the week about the possibility of Iran attacking the US cities of Los Angeles and San Diego.
The 80-year-old president blamed what he called “fake and artificial news” for misinterpreting his comments, which Democratic politicians had criticised.
“In actuality, what I was talking about was that a temporary increase in the price of Gasoline is a small price to pay for Iran not having a Nuclear Weapon and, if you want to see a big price, can you imagine what it would be like if they bombed San Diego and/or Los Angeles?” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
His remarks came as the administration sought to address concerns over the economic consequences of the conflict and the potential impact of higher fuel prices on voters ahead of the midterm elections.
