United States President Donald Trump stated that the US will not attack Iran before the midterm elections scheduled for November 3. In a post on Truth Social late on Thursday, Trump mentioned, "we are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran," and confirmed, "We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd."
Following Trump's comments, oil prices dropped early on Friday as concerns regarding Middle East supply eased. The previous day's trading had seen oil prices rise due to heightened tensions in the Gulf region. Analysts suggest that Trump's remarks may have aimed to help lower oil prices.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that Tehran is reviewing the US response to its plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and will respond within the "next few days." He noted that negotiations are ongoing through mediators, as reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
Iranian media reported "massive explosions" in the southern Strait of Hormuz on Friday, with Fars news agency citing unnamed military sources claiming that tankers using "unauthorised" routes may have struck sea mines.
On Tuesday, US Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran must make a "meaningful" reduction in its uranium enrichment capacity as part of a potential agreement to end the conflict. Experts interpret this demand as a possible softening of Washington's earlier position that Tehran must abandon enrichment entirely.
On Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described negotiations with Washington as "futile," accusing the US of using talks as a means to attack Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly assured Pezeshkian that Russia will "do everything" to assist in ending the US-led conflict with Iran, according to Russian news agencies on Thursday.