Trump says 'US will not resume military strikes on Iran' before November 3 midterm elections

US President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed reports of possible fresh military strikes against Iran, declaring that Washington would not launch attacks on the country before the November 3 midterm congressional elections, even as he maintained that the American maritime blockade would remain in force.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States was engaged in productive discussions with Tehran aimed at resolving the prolonged conflict, while reiterating that Iran would not be permitted to acquire nuclear weapons.

"We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump wrote, adding that the United States would not attack Iran at any time before the midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

The President maintained that Iran had been severely weakened economically and militarily, but said Washington would continue enforcing restrictions on Iranian maritime traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Blockade to continue

Trump said the blockade would remain fully operational despite the ongoing diplomatic engagement. He claimed that oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz were continuing at record levels, with approximately 22 million barrels passing through the waterway the previous night.

He further claimed that none of the oil transported during that period had originated from or was destined for Iran. The figures could not be independently verified.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, remains a critical passage for international energy supplies. Disruptions to shipping through the narrow waterway have contributed to volatility in global oil markets since the conflict escalated earlier this year.

Trump also reiterated Washington's longstanding opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, making clear that diplomatic negotiations would not alter that position.

Reports of military preparations

The President's statement followed media reports suggesting that the Pentagon had been instructed to prepare options for renewed large-scale military operations against Iran.

According to Axios, US Central Command had been directed to complete preparations for potential strikes targeting Iranian energy facilities, infrastructure and nuclear installations.

The reports indicated that American defence officials had been examining possible military options, although no final decision or operational timetable had been announced.

The possibility of renewed attacks had raised concerns about further escalation in West Asia, particularly given the risk of Iranian retaliation against American interests and regional allies.

Trump's latest assurance appeared to rule out such operations before the congressional elections, although it did not address the possibility of military action after November 3.

Negotiations remain unresolved

The United States and Iran have exchanged proposals in recent weeks aimed at ending the conflict and restoring normal maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, substantial differences remain between the two countries over nuclear enrichment, sanctions and the conditions for ending hostilities.

Washington has demanded meaningful restrictions on Iran's uranium enrichment programme, while Tehran has maintained that it will not abandon enrichment or surrender its existing uranium stockpile.

Iran has consistently denied Western allegations that its nuclear programme is intended to develop weapons.

The latest diplomatic exchanges follow months of military confrontation that began when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iranian targets in February, triggering retaliatory attacks and wider instability across the region.

War weighs on US politics

The conflict has also become a significant domestic political issue in the United States ahead of the midterm elections.

Rising energy prices and the economic consequences of prolonged hostilities have intensified public concerns over living costs, placing additional pressure on the Trump administration.

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that approximately 60 per cent of Americans disapproved of Trump's handling of the Iran conflict, including a section of Republican voters.

The President has repeatedly suggested that oil prices could decline after the elections, although he has not outlined a detailed strategy for ending the war.

Meanwhile, Washington has continued exerting economic pressure on Tehran. On Thursday, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions targeting 17 vessels linked to Iran's oil transportation network, accusing the operators of helping sustain the country's petroleum trade.

The measures underscored Washington's intention to maintain economic restrictions even as diplomatic contacts continued.

Trump's announcement offered a temporary assurance against fresh American military strikes before the elections, but left unresolved the broader questions surrounding Iran's nuclear programme, the maritime blockade and the prospects for a negotiated end to the conflict.