Trump rules out new Iran attack before midterm polls
‘We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran.’
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump ruled out Thursday attacking Iran before the US midterms on 3 November, saying Washington was holding “productive discussions” with Tehran.
Trump’s announcement on his Truth Social platform followed a surge in oil prices driven by media reports suggesting potential new US strikes prior to the elections.
“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... we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections,” he wrote.
“We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added.
The Atlantic magazine reported on Wednesday that the White House had asked the Pentagon to develop options to strike Iranian targets that could be used before the midterms.
The New York Times said Thursday the plans were being developed despite Trump’s “ambivalence.”
The surge in crude oil prices has also been fueled by persistent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic chokepoint for the global oil trade — as well as hostilities between Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
Polls suggest American voters are strongly dissatisfied with fuel prices, which have soared since US-Israeli strikes against Iran on 28 February triggered the conflict.
Brent North Sea crude, the international benchmark, rallied to as high as $105.88 a barrel on Thursday before retreating to $104.28.
Impeachment threat
The midterm elections will shape the final two years of Trump’s presidential term as his Republican Party risks losing its current grip on Congress.
Although Trump is not on the ballot, he is holding numerous rallies in an attempt to limit the damage or even turn the political tide.
Trump has warned he faces a possible third impeachment if Democrats retake the House of Representatives, and the White House is preparing for a slew of investigations into corruption and abuse of power.
The US president also sought to calm a furor on Thursday over his comments at a rally earlier this week that Iran could “take out” the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego.
The 80-year-old blamed the “fake and artificial news” for misinterpreting the remarks, which Democrats pounced on.