US President Donald Trump said on October 8 that the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 congressional midterm elections. Reuters reported that he announced the decision on Truth Social and described discussions with Tehran about ending the war as productive.
The statement followed preparations for possible renewed combat. Axios reported that the Pentagon had directed Central Command to finish preparations for major operations. Trump also said the blockade would remain in force. His announcement sets a limit on his stated timetable for attacks without announcing a peace agreement.
According to AP, a June interim agreement sought a 60-day ceasefire and a framework for lasting peace, but collapsed within weeks amid renewed military action and disputes over the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war, about a fifth of global oil passed through that waterway, making its future a concern beyond the two countries.
Economic pressure continued on Thursday. The US Treasury announced sanctions against vessels and companies it accused of helping move Iranian petroleum and evade restrictions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures sought to deprive Tehran of revenue used for warfare. Those descriptions of the network and its role are the department's allegations.
Nuclear disagreements also remained. Reuters reported that Iranian state media, citing the country's atomic energy chief, said Tehran would neither abandon uranium enrichment nor surrender its uranium stockpile. The United States and its allies accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons; Tehran denies that accusation.
The next diplomatic step may come from Iran. AP reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expected a formal response to a US proposal within days. For now, Trump's account of productive discussions coexists with continued sanctions and unresolved differences over the terms for ending the conflict.
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