Trump rules out Iran strikes before midterms

In a social media statement addressing ongoing diplomatic negotiations, Trump said talks with Tehran had been productive but emphasized that economic and military pressure on Iran would continue. Claiming that Iran was in a weakened economic and military position, Trump said the blockade against the country would remain fully in force. He also reiterated that Washington would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, stressing that diplomatic engagement did not mean abandoning US security objectives.

Trump also commented on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route closely monitored by global energy markets. He claimed that oil shipments through the strait had reached record levels, with 22 million barrels transported in a single night, none of which originated from Iran. His remarks raised expectations of a potential short-term easing in Middle East military tensions, although uncertainty remains over sanctions against Iran and security risks in the Strait of Hormuz. The progress of US-Iran negotiations and the security of energy shipments remain key factors influencing the direction of global oil prices.