Trump says US will not attack Iran before midterm elections in November

President Donald Trump said on Truth Social on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, that the United States will not attack Iran before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. He wrote that Iran is in very bad condition economically and militarily, the blockade remains in full force, and 22 million barrels of oil moved through the Strait of Hormuz overnight with none to or from Iran. He added, "IRAN WILL NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON." A White House official told The Hill, "The Commander-in-Chief has all options available at any time," and said Iran has been decimated and things will go the easy way or the hard way. The Atlantic reported Wednesday that the White House asked the Pentagon for strike options usable before the midterms. Axios reported the Pentagon instructed CENTCOM to conclude preparations for major combat operations and that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir was briefed Tuesday on preparations within three weeks, which he said could postpone Israel's Oct. 27 elections. Brent crude rose then fell after Trump's post. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed a ballistic missile hit King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and warned Saudi oil facility workers to evacuate; Saudi civil defence reported interception debris damaged a kindergarten and medical complex.