Trump Declares No Iran Attack Before US Midterms

On October 6, 2026, President Donald Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the United States would not attack Iran before the midterm elections scheduled for November 3. He emphasized that Washington was engaged in "productive discussions" with Tehran, despite Iran's challenging economic and military conditions.

Trump's announcement came after a spike in oil prices, which were influenced by media reports suggesting possible US military actions against Iran. The Atlantic magazine reported that the White House had requested the Pentagon to prepare options for strikes on Iranian targets, although Trump expressed ambivalence regarding these plans.

The surge in oil prices was also attributed to ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and conflicts involving Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Brent North Sea crude prices reached $105.88 a barrel before settling at $104.28.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian remarked on the challenges of negotiating with the US, citing repeated attacks during dialogue efforts.