President Donald Trump announced that the United States will not resume military strikes against Iran before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
The president said negotiations with Tehran were progressing but made clear that the American naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place.
“We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump wrote in an Oct. 8 Truth Social post.
Trump said Iran was in poor economic and military condition. He added that the United States would not launch further attacks before the elections, while continuing to prevent Iranian oil exports.
The president also said that 22 million barrels of oil had passed through the Strait of Hormuz the previous night, with none coming from or going to Iran.
The announcement followed reports that the Pentagon had instructed U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to prepare for the possibility of renewed military operations against Iran.
According to Axios, the military was directed to finalize preparations for potential strikes, including attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. However, no final decision to launch another operation had been made.
Trump’s statement rules out military action before the elections but leaves open the possibility of renewed strikes afterward.
The United States and Israel launched their initial strikes against Iran in February. Fighting has largely slowed in recent weeks, although American forces carried out additional strikes in early September.
The naval blockade, which was reimposed in July, remains a central part of Washington’s pressure campaign against Tehran.
CENTCOM reported Thursday that more than 1.25 billion barrels of oil had passed through the Strait of Hormuz in recent months, while Iran had been unable to export oil because of the blockade.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are continuing.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Thursday that Tehran and Washington were exchanging messages through mediators.
He said Iran had submitted a proposal known as the “seven-day plan” and was reviewing Washington’s response. Tehran was expected to present its position within the next few days.
However, significant disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear program.
Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, insisted Thursday that uranium enrichment must remain part of the country’s nuclear activities. He also rejected the possibility of surrendering Iran’s existing uranium stockpile.
Trump reiterated his administration’s position at the end of his Truth Social post, declaring, “IRAN WILL NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!”
The president’s announcement also comes as the conflict continues to affect American energy prices ahead of the midterm elections.
According to the New York Post, Brent crude oil prices climbed to approximately $105 per barrel Wednesday amid reports of potential renewed strikes. Prices subsequently fell to around $103 following Trump’s announcement.
AAA data showed that the national average gasoline price stood at approximately $4.36 per gallon Thursday, compared with $3.11 a year earlier.
Elevated fuel prices have become a concern for Republican candidates as voters prepare to decide control of Congress on Nov. 3.