President Donald Trump says the United States will not attack Iran before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, even as he warns that Tehran must accept his demands or face continued pressure. The statement followed preparations by U.S. Central Command for potentially renewed major combat operations and came while indirect negotiations remained unresolved.
Trump has described the discussions as productive, but Iran says Washington must first lift its naval blockade and provide sanctions relief. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran expected to respond to a U.S. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government wanted to restore the framework of a June agreement, while also expressing doubt after previous talks were followed by renewed attacks.
The conflict has entered its eighth month, with sanctions, the blockade and disrupted oil traffic contributing to economic pressure in both countries. Iran has lost much of its control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but tanker traffic remains below prewar levels and Iranian attacks on vessels have increased.
The war is also creating political problems for Republicans. Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has called for the war to end quickly, Rep. Ashley Hinson has said Iowans should not have to pay for it, and seven House Republicans backed a war-powers resolution seeking to limit Trump’s authority.
Trump’s position remains uncertain despite his pledge to avoid an attack before the election. He has dispatched additional military resources, threatened to resume strikes and said Iran is in severe economic and military condition. Iran’s leadership, meanwhile, says there will be no agreement until the blockade is lifted and has indicated that it expects the conflict could return to full-scale fighting.
The immediate next step is Tehran’s response to the U.S. Whether negotiations produce a deal, the blockade continues, or major combat resumes will determine how directly the conflict shapes the final weeks of the midterm campaign.