Trump Says US Will Not Attack Iran Before Midterm Elections

WASHINGTON, October 8, 2026 — US President Donald Trump has ruled out launching a new military attack on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, saying Washington is engaged in what he described as productive discussions with Tehran.

Trump made the announcement on Thursday through his Truth Social platform following a surge in global oil prices triggered by reports that the United States was considering fresh strikes against Iranian targets before the elections.

The US president said Iran was facing severe economic and military difficulties but maintained that the American blockade would remain in place.

“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,” Trump wrote.

He added that Washington was holding productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran but provided no further details about the negotiations.

The announcement followed reports by The Atlantic magazine and The New York Times that the White House had asked the Pentagon to develop military options for potential strikes against Iranian targets ahead of the midterm elections.

According to the reports, the military planning was continuing despite uncertainty within the Trump administration over whether to pursue further attacks.

Oil Prices Rise Amid Regional Tensions

Global crude oil prices have come under pressure from continuing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the world's oil supplies passes.

The situation has been further complicated by hostilities involving Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.

In a recent incident highlighting the security risks in the region, an oil tanker sailing off the northern coast of Qatar reported being struck by multiple projectiles, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency. The incident reportedly resulted in an unspecified number of casualties.

Rising fuel prices have also become a major concern for American voters, many of whom are dissatisfied with the economic consequences of the conflict launched by the United States and Israel against Iran in February.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States has effectively won the war against Iran. However, the continuing regional tensions and uncertainty over energy prices have complicated his administration's efforts to convince voters that the conflict is nearing an end.

The president has also argued that fuel prices would decline once the war ends, although his assurances have yet to ease public concerns significantly.

Midterm Elections Put Republicans Under Pressure

The November 3 midterm elections are expected to play a significant role in determining the political direction of Trump's remaining two years in office.

Although Trump is not personally contesting the elections, he has actively campaigned for Republican candidates, holding rallies in an effort to prevent his party from losing control of Congress.

The president has warned that a Democratic victory in the House of Representatives could expose his administration to further investigations and potentially lead to a third impeachment effort.

Meanwhile, the White House is preparing for possible congressional investigations into allegations of corruption and abuse of power should Democrats regain control of the chamber.

Trump Defends Remarks About US Cities

Trump also sought to clarify controversial remarks he made at a rally earlier in the week, when he suggested that Iran could “take out” the American cities of Los Angeles and San Diego.

The comments prompted criticism from Democrats, while the White House denied that the president had been suggesting Iran should attack American cities.

In a statement posted on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump accused the media of misrepresenting his remarks.

He explained that he had been referring to the temporary increase in gasoline prices as a small sacrifice compared with the potential consequences of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Trump argued that the situation would be far worse if Iran were capable of bombing major American cities.

The dispute comes as the administration faces mounting political pressure over the conflict, rising energy costs and the approaching midterm elections.

The outcome of the elections could determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress or face increased opposition and scrutiny during the final two years of Trump's presidency.

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