BREAKING: Trump Rules Out US Attack on Iran Before November Midterms (October 9, 2026)
In a significant statement on the ongoing US-Iran conflict, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States will not launch any military attack on Iran before the country's midterm elections on November 3.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd." The President added that Washington is holding "productive" discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran, which he described as being in "very bad condition" both economically and militarily.
The announcement comes as the United States and Iran continue exchanging proposals aimed at ending a conflict that has stretched for roughly six months and disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Trump indicated that the US blockade would remain "in full force and effect," even as negotiations proceed.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Thursday that Tehran is still reviewing Washington's response to an Iranian proposal under which the strait could reopen within seven days. He noted the diplomatic process is continuing through mediators and that Iran could submit its response within days. Trump, meanwhile, said he had rejected Tehran's latest offer, while his special envoy Steve Witkoff continues leading negotiations.
Oil prices dip as attack fears ease
The remarks moved energy markets almost immediately. Brent crude slipped about 1% to around $103 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate fell roughly 0.75% to about $90.50, as fears of imminent strikes on energy infrastructure eased. The decline followed a sharp rally in the previous session, when Brent jumped 4.1% to $104.28 and WTI rose 3.6% to $91.49 on reports of attacks against tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf — at least nine incidents in the first seven days of October alone, according to the UK Maritime Organization, already accounting for half of September's total.
New sanctions on Iran oil network
In a parallel move, the United States imposed fresh sanctions on two Mumbai-based companies — SSPL Solutions Private Limited and Samudra Marine Services Private Limited — along with five Indian nationals, over alleged involvement in trading Iranian petroleum products. The measures form part of Washington's broader "Operation Economic Outcast" campaign against Tehran's oil revenue network and block the targeted firms and individuals from transactions involving US entities.
Why this matters
A sitting US president publicly taking military action off the table during an active conflict is unusual and signals the administration's current bet: that pressure through the blockade, plus negotiations, can deliver an outcome before voters head to the polls on November 3. It also marks a notable shift from earlier reports that the White House had directed the Pentagon to draw up strike options. Fighting in Yemen, however, continues to escalate, underscoring how fragile the broader regional picture remains.
USA Daily News will update this story as developments come in. This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
Sources: Reuters, CGTN, Dawn, The Economic Times, ET Now News
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