Trump Pledges No Iran Attacks Before November 3 Midterms

President Donald Trump said on October 8 that the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, while describing discussions with Tehran as productive. The statement, posted on social media, sets out his pledge; it does not establish whether military action will occur or whether negotiations will produce an agreement. Trump said the United States would not attack Iran at any time before the election. He also said a blockade would remain in force and claimed that 22 million barrels of oil had passed through the Strait of Hormuz the previous night. That volume claim was not independently verified in the reports. The pledge comes as negotiations appear stalled. Iran has said it received a U.S. counterproposal after Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States met certain conditions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on October 8 that Tehran expected to provide a formal response within days. The reports do not establish that Iran has delivered one. The military situation remains active alongside the diplomatic efforts. U.S.