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President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, pointing to what he described as “productive discussions” with Tehran, after reports of potential new strikes sent oil prices higher.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that “while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect,” the United States “will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections.”
He added that talks with “the Islamic Republic of Iran” were underway, without elaborating.
The statement followed a surge in oil prices on Thursday, driven by media reports suggesting new US strikes on Iran could come before the midterms.
The Atlantic reported Wednesday that the White House had asked the Pentagon to draw up options for striking Iranian targets ahead of the elections.
The New York Times reported Thursday that such plans were being developed despite what it described as Trump’s “ambivalence.”
Oil prices have also been pushed up by continued tension in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, and by fighting between Yemen’s Houthi movement, which is backed by Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
In the latest episode, the UKMTO maritime agency said Wednesday that a tanker off Qatar’s northern coast was struck by multiple projectiles, causing an unspecified number of casualties.
Polling shows voters are strongly dissatisfied with rising fuel prices, which have been linked to the conflict the United States and Israel launched against Iran in February.
Trump has repeatedly said in recent weeks that the US effectively won that war, despite continuing unrest and a recent security threat that prompted the withdrawal of American bombers from a base in England.
His predictions that prices would fall once the war ended have not eased public frustration.
The midterms will determine the balance of Congress for the remainder of Trump’s term. He is not on the ballot but has taken an active role in campaigning, holding a series of rallies as Republicans try to limit losses or hold their majority.
Trump has said he could face a third impeachment effort if Democrats win back the House, and the White House is preparing for a wave of investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of power.
Trump also moved Thursday to contain criticism of comments he made at a rally earlier in the week suggesting Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego.
He blamed “fake and artificial news” for what he said was a misreading of his remarks, after Democrats seized on the comments.
“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?” he wrote on Truth Social.
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