Trump Declares No Attacks on Iran Before Midterms: ‘We Are Having Productive Discussions’

Screenshot via CSPAN

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday there will be no “attacking” Iran ahead of the midterm elections, which are just weeks away.

Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday and said there are ongoing “productive discussions” with Iran. He also said the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 20% of the world’s oil moves through, remains under blockade, despite Iranian attacks on tankers reportedly increasing recently in the area.

The president wrote:

We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran. I want to make it clear to everybody that, while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, with Oil flowing in Record Numbers of Barrels through the Hormuz Strait (22 Million Barrels, last night alone, with not one barrel coming from, or going to, Iran!), we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd. IRAN WILL NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Trump’s announcement follows a report from The Atlantic, which cited two administration officials claiming Trump was considering fresh strikes on Iran to “win” over voters ahead of the Nov. 3 elections. According to the report this week, officials were still in discussions about the possible new strikes.

Polling has shown slipping support for Trump amid the ongoing war and inflated gas prices and other costs. Republicans have expressed concern about the influence Trump and the war will have on Republicans running in the midterms.

In recently-leaked audio, Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton pointed to the Iran war and high gas prices as the “biggest problem” for his campaign, which is at risk of a loss to Democrat James Talarico who has been leading in recent polling.

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