Trump won’t strike Iran before the November midterms, President Donald Trump said Thursday, asserting there are no plans for attacks ahead of the 3 November vote.
His comments followed reporting that the White House had asked the Pentagon to prepare potential strike options against Iranian targets that could be executed before the elections. On Truth Social, Trump wrote that no action would be taken while “Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily,” and while a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz remains in effect.
The statement arrives as polling shows his approval rating hitting a new low and fuel costs staying elevated. The national average price per gallon remains more than a dollar higher than before the war with Iran began in February. The conflict has become a liability for Republicans in the run-up to November, with several Trump-backed candidates in key states urging an end to the war to help bring down prices for voters.
Trump won’t strike Iran pledge framed by politics and prices
Trump’s assurance seeks to counter speculation over military escalation ahead of the midterms. According to officials, the administration has faced persistent political pressure tied to the economic fallout of the conflict, particularly gasoline prices.
Some Republican nominees aligned with Trump have publicly pressed for de-escalation, arguing that reducing tensions could relieve household costs. Analysts have compared the political impact of those economic concerns to earlier shifts in voter sentiment, including when Gallup party identification shows widest Democratic edge since 2009.
In his post, Trump emphasized Iran’s weakened position and the continuing maritime restrictions near the Strait of Hormuz. He did not outline conditions that might lead to a change in posture after Election Day.
Administration officials have not detailed the reported strike planning process, and the Pentagon has not publicly confirmed the options. The White House did not immediately provide additional context beyond the president’s social media statement.