Trump rules out Iran attack before midterms

President Donald Trump says the United States will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, easing fears of a sudden return to full-scale war.

Trump's pledge

In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump said Washington is having productive discussions with Tehran and will not strike before the vote.

He described Iran as in very bad condition economically and militarily, and added that the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz will remain in full force.

The statement followed reports that US forces had been told to prepare for possible large-scale operations within about three weeks, which pushed oil prices higher.

Politics behind the pause

The war, launched by the United States and Israel in February, is unpopular at home. An AP-NORC poll found 69 percent of Americans say it has not been worth fighting, and many blame Trump's policies for high fuel costs.

Trump has said oil prices will fall once the conflict ends, and he has told the United Nations he expects Iran to make a deal soon after the election.

Read Also: Iran keeps Hormuz shut as talks drag on

Tehran remains wary

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has received Washington's response to its seven-day proposal for restarting nuclear talks.

Iranian leaders are reportedly deeply suspicious of Trump's assurances and want to avoid a third surprise attack. Pakistan, which the UN secretary-general has credited with a pivotal role in US-Iran diplomacy, continues to act as a mediator.

The pledge covers only the period before the election, leaving open the prospect of renewed strikes afterwards.