Trump rules out Iran strikes before midterms as talks are underway
Talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz have stalled, and Tehran wants the blockade lifted first.
Published
Trump says the US will not attack Iran before the midterm elections on November 3. He also says talks are underway.
A US envoy has said Washington is ready for a long standoff with Iran. A representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in Khuzestan said any reopening of the strait must happen within Iran's arrangements and conditions.
On October 22, Trump said flows through the strait now exceed pre-conflict levels. Iran's Fars news agency reports that Iran has stopped illicit vessel traffic there. A senior Iranian security official said Tehran will not separate Netanyahu from Trump.
Trump has said the US could take all of the oil in Iran, without giving operational detail. He has also invoked the Defense Production Act to boost petroleum and refining capacity.
Trump first signaled a no-strike position on October 8. Signals since then have been mixed. Netanyahu is reported to have pressed to resume attacks before Israel's own election. Iran has warned it will not treat Washington and Jerusalem differently in any escalation. The Pentagon has drafted 3-day strike plans, and 5 earlier operation proposals were rejected. Both remain in reserve. The gap between stated restraint and military planning is what would move crude oil and broader risk sentiment if it narrows before the vote.
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