Overview
- President Trump said Thursday he will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections and described talks with Tehran as "productive."
- The White House had already asked the Pentagon to prepare strike options and senior officials discussed an intense three-day campaign, leaving contingency plans in place.
- Iran-linked attacks on tankers and strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure have continued, disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pressuring oil flows.
- U.S. forces have been reinforced in the region and Washington is maintaining a blockade and sanctions that aim to cut Iran’s oil revenue.
- Mediators from Qatar, Oman and Pakistan are shuttling proposals but talks have produced no deal so far, keeping the risk of post-election escalation and economic strain high.