U.S. President Donald Trump stated on the 8th, local time, that the United States will not attack Iran before the upcoming U.S. midterm elections on November 3.

President Trump made the remarks on his social media platform Truth Social, saying, "We are having productive discussions with Iran."

He continued, "Iran is in a very bad situation economically and militarily, and the blockade (against Iran) will remain fully in place," but added, "We will not attack Iran at any point before the U.S. midterm elections held on November 3."

Highlighting that a record volume of crude oil is passing through the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump emphasized, "Just last night, 22 million barrels passed through, and not a single barrel came out of or went into Iran."

He also reiterated, "Iran will not have a nuclear weapon."

President Trump's remarks are drawing attention as he has publicly stated his policy of not taking additional military action before the midterm elections, amid growing frustration among U.S. voters over the prolonged war with Iran and high oil prices.

In particular, by stating that he will maintain the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz while holding off on a military attack against Iran, he is interpreted as clearly signaling his intent to keep the door open for negotiations with Iran while continuing economic pressure.

Earlier in the day, international oil prices surged, influenced by reports that the United States was preparing for a large-scale military operation against Iran before President Trump's message was released.

The previous day, U.S. online media outlet Axios reported that the U.S. Department of Defense instructed the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees the Middle East, a few days ago to prepare to resume large-scale military operations against Iran.

While the Department of Defense did not specify a exact date to launch an attack in the directive, Axios reported, citing sources, that the resumption of U.S. military operations against Iran could potentially take place before the U.S. midterm elections.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)