Trump says US and Iran in ‘productive’ talks rule out attack ahead of November midterm polls | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump ruled out any US military strike against Iran ahead of November’s mid-term elections, saying Washington and Tehran were engaged in what he described as “productive” talks to end the six-month conflict.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump said the US was continuing talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran and would not launch an attack before the interim polls, which are scheduled for Nov. 3.
“We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“I want to make it clear to everyone that while Iran is in very bad shape, both economically and militarily, and while the blockade remains in full force and effect, with record barrels of oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz (22 million barrels, last night alone, with not one barrel coming from or to Iran!), we will never attack Iran before we attack Iran! November 3rd,” he added.
Trump faces political pressure over Iran war
The conflict erupted in February after the US and Israel attacked Iran. The long war has hurt Trump’s popularity at home and put political pressure on Republicans, who are trying to maintain their slim majority in Congress in the upcoming elections.
According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, about 60% of Americans — including one in four Republicans — disapprove of Trump’s handling of the Iran situation. The conflict has pushed gasoline prices up at a time when voters say their top concern is the cost of living.
US-Iran negotiations focus on oil and the Strait of Hormuz
Trump has repeatedly said he expects oil prices to fall after the election, but has not offered a detailed plan for exiting the war.
Iran and the US have exchanged proposals in recent weeks aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route. Trump rejected Tehran’s latest offer.
Iran refuses to give up uranium enrichment
Iran’s state media reported Thursday that Tehran would not abandon uranium enrichment or hand over its uranium stockpile, citing the head of the country’s Atomic Energy Organization.
The development comes days after US Vice President JD Vance told Reuters that Iran must make “meaningful” reductions in its enrichment capacity.
The US, Israel and Western allies have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, which Iran denies.
