Trump Rules Out US Attack on Iran Before November Midterm Elections
WASHINGTON, October 9, 2026 — US President Donald Trump has ruled out a US attack on Iran before the November 3 congressional midterm elections, saying Washington is engaged in productive discussions with Tehran as the conflict continues to pressure global energy markets and weigh on the US political landscape.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump said the United States was holding “productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran” and would not launch an attack before the midterm elections. He added that the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in place, while oil continued to flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement signals a potential pause in further US military action ahead of the elections, although it does not indicate that a final agreement to end the conflict has been reached.
The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February, triggering a war that has carried significant economic costs. The conflict has become a major issue in the US election campaign, with the administration facing pressure over the financial burden of military operations and elevated fuel prices.
Trump has repeatedly predicted that oil prices would fall sharply after the elections. However, high gasoline prices and uncertainty surrounding the conflict have placed pressure on Republican candidates as they seek to retain their congressional majority.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the economic implications of the conflict. The vital shipping corridor is a major route for global energy supplies, meaning any disruption could affect oil prices, shipping costs and energy-importing economies around the world.
Washington and Tehran have exchanged proposals in recent weeks aimed at ending the war and reopening the strategic waterway. Trump, however, rejected Iran’s latest proposal, leaving the prospects for a negotiated settlement uncertain.
For global markets, the latest announcement may ease some immediate concerns about further military escalation before the US elections. Nevertheless, the continued blockade, unresolved diplomatic differences and uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz mean that energy markets and international trade remain exposed to developments in the conflict.
