Trump Pledges No Military Action Against Iran Before Midterm Elections Amid Ongoing Talks

President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the US would refrain from attacking Iran prior to the midterm elections, highlighting that Washington is currently involved in "productive discussions" with Tehran.

Writing on Truth Social, Mr Trump claimed that Iran is facing a "very bad condition" both economically and militarily, while confirming that the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz will stay in "full force". He stated, "We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections to be held in the United States on November 3," adding, "We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran."

This statement follows US media reports from the previous day indicating that Washington was readying new military action against Iran ahead of the midterm elections. Previously, Mr Trump asserted that the war with Iran would conclude "immediately" after the midterm elections and remarked that the US was no longer pursuing a negotiated end to the conflict, while also predicting drops in fuel prices and living costs.

However, recent polls indicate that the war initiated by Mr Trump alongside Israel in February lacks popularity among US voters. Rising fuel and everyday costs, driven by disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, have become major electoral concerns. The crucial waterway handles roughly a fifth of global oil supplies.

Having campaigned on lowering costs and blaming inflation on his predecessor, Joe Biden, Mr Trump faces historically low approval ratings with less than a month until the elections. These midterm elections remain vital for Mr Trump and his remaining two years in office, with control of Congress and its narrow Republican majorities in both chambers hanging in the balance.