WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States would not attack Iran before the November midterm elections, a day after reports that his administration was preparing options for renewed combat.
In a social media post, Trump said his team was having productive discussions with Tehran. He also said the U.S. blockade would remain in place.
NBC News reported that military officials prepared new options after Trump’s national security team met at Camp David last week. Sources told the network that officials discussed possible strikes before the elections but made no decision.
Axios reported Wednesday that the Pentagon directed U.S. Central Command to complete preparations for renewed operations.
A Defense Department official told NBC News that the department’s responsibility was to develop and present military options to the president.
The United States and Iran remain divided over Tehran’s nuclear program and access through the Strait of Hormuz. NBC News reported that Washington wants an agreement addressing both issues, while Iran has proposed reopening the waterway before holding separate nuclear talks.
The network also reported that an earlier ceasefire framework collapsed before substantive nuclear negotiations began.
Trump’s statement rules out an attack before the elections but leaves open the possibility of military action afterward.
