Trump rules out Iran strike before November midterms, cites “productive” talks

Donald Trump speaking with backdrop of US and Iran tensions.

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States will not carry out military action against Iran before the November congressional midterm elections. He emphasized that Washington and Tehran are engaged in “productive” discussions aimed at ending the six‑month conflict.

Trump’s statement, posted on Truth Social, comes as the war — launched in February with U.S. and Israeli strikes — continues to weigh on his approval ratings and Republican prospects in the upcoming vote. Rising fuel costs have intensified public discontent, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing 60% of Americans disapprove of his handling of the crisis.

While Iran and the U.S. have exchanged proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Trump rejected Tehran’s latest offer. Iranian officials reiterated they will not abandon uranium enrichment, despite U.S. demands for “meaningful” reductions. Western allies maintain that Iran seeks nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies.