WASHINGTON/TEHRAN (MNN); US President Donald Trump has ruled out an American attack on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, describing ongoing talks with Tehran as “productive” while insisting that the US naval blockade will remain in place.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said he wanted to make it clear that Washington would not attack Iran at any time before the midterm elections.
He claimed that Iran had been defeated “economically and militarily” but provided no further details in the statement. Trump also asserted that oil was passing through the Strait of Hormuz in “record numbers”, claiming that 22 million barrels had moved through the strategic waterway in a single night.
Oil prices surged by more than five per cent before trimming some gains after Trump’s announcement, according to Reuters.
Brent crude futures rose by $3.48, or 3.5 per cent, to $103.73 a barrel by 1641 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $2.69, or 3.1 per cent, to reach $91 a barrel.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and pledged to do everything within Moscow’s power to help resolve the escalating Middle East conflict, according to Russian news agencies cited by AFP.
Speaking ahead of a regional summit in a Central Asian country, Putin said Russia was prepared to contribute to a settlement of the crisis. He also said Iran had made “real efforts” to end the war, which began with US-Israeli attacks on Iranian territory.
Trump’s announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions, uncertainty over the future of US-Iran negotiations and continued concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategically important route for international oil shipments.
