WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out attacking Iran before the US midterm elections on November 3, saying Washington was holding “productive discussions” with Tehran.
Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform followed a surge in oil prices on Thursday driven by media reports suggesting potential new US strikes prior to those 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,” the US President wrote.
https://t.co/e1VCDknWGI
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 8, 2026
Trump added that the US was holding productive talks with Iran. “We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added, without providing additional details.
Trump’s declaration came after he told reporters late Wednesday that his administration was considering renewed strikes against Tehran before the election.
The rise in crude oil prices has also been fueled by persistent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic chokepoint for the global oil trade.
Polls suggest that US voters are strongly dissatisfied over rising fuel prices, linked to the conflict started by the United States and Israel against Iran in February.
On October 1, Trump said that Iran’s offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is simply not enough.
“The Iranians made an offer regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. I have seen some aspects of it, but not all of it, and it is simply not enough,” Trump said in an interview with Time magazine.
Also Read: Iran’s Offer to Open Strait of Hormuz Not Enough: Trump
Asked why he rejected the proposal, the US president said, “Because things that I wouldn’t have approved a year ago I wouldn’t have today.”
“There was always a threat they had, and it worked for a little while. But we basically closed it on them. You know, they said we’re going to close. I said, ‘Well, you close it, you’re going to have big trouble.’ We took it over,” he said.
On Thursday, US Central Command (Centcom) briefed international shipping companies on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, with emphasis on “building momentum for freedom of navigation as commercial traffic flow increases”.
Also Read: US-Iran War Will Be Over ‘Very Very Soon’: Trump
According to a statement, Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper thanked industry leaders and US government agencies for their support, acknowledging the “sacrifices made by civilian crews due to unwarranted Iranian attacks”.
Today, CENTCOM briefed international shipping partners on the Strait of Hormuz during a virtual discussion. Leaders highlighted building momentum for freedom of navigation as commercial traffic flow increases. Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, thanked industry leaders and other U.S. government agencies for their continued support and acknowledged the sacrifices made by civilian crews due to unwarranted Iranian attacks.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 8, 2026
Earlier today, Centcom issued a statement rejecting Iranian claims that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and that the country has “full control” over the waterway.
“This is false,” Centcom says in a statement posted on X. “Traffic is flowing through the Strait of Hormuz right now, carrying commercial goods and energy supplies, including 20 million barrels of crude oil.
“The United States and regional partners clearly control the strait,” it adds.
CLAIM: Earlier today, a general from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed in media reports that “the Strait of Hormuz is closed” and his country has “full control over it.” This is FALSE. FACT: Traffic is flowing through the Strait of Hormuz right now carrying commercial goods and energy supplies, including 20 million barrels of crude oil. The United States and regional partners clearly control the strait.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 7, 2026
