<p class="wp-block-paragraph">President Donald Trump announced that he will not order any military strikes against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, despite reports indicating that the Pentagon has prepared U.S. Central Command for potential major combat operations.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Trump stated on Truth Social, "We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran. I want to make it clear to everybody that, while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, with Oil flowing in Record Numbers of Barrels through the Hormuz Strait (22 Million Barrels, last night alone, with not one barrel coming from, or going to, Iran!), we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd. IRAN WILL NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!"</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following Trump's post, the stock market showed a positive response as the ongoing conflict continues to affect international energy supplies and electoral politics, with elections approaching.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This statement follows confirmation from White House officials that Trump has multiple options available for dealing with Iran, with one official noting, "the commander-in-chief has all options available at any time."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">An official added, "The United States is in a very strong position with control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian economy collapsing. Iran has been decimated, and things will go one of two ways: the easy way or the hard way. President Trump holds all the cards and will do whatever is best for the United States."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During a rally in Texas on Wednesday night, Trump reiterated his stance, challenging Iran to attack U.S. cities such as San Diego or Los Angeles, and warned of severe consequences for Iran in response.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He remarked, "You want to see a country that would be in free fall. We’re not going to let that happen. We protect our cities. We protect our country. We’re not letting that happen. And they’d use it, too. They’d use it. They would use it."</p>