U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed speculation that the United States could escalate military conflict with Iran following the midterm elections, stating on November 3 (local time) that he has no plans to attack Iran right now.

In an interview with the Financial Times (FT) conducted just hours before the closing of midterm polls that day, Trump responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strong hint earlier in the week about a possible strike on Iran later this week by saying, "We are fully prepared to strike whenever necessary, but there may be no reason to do so."

Trump argued that the United States and Iran are not actually fighting, claiming, "We are not really at war because we crippled Iran's nuclear development capabilities by striking Iran with B-2 bombers."

He emphasized, "We struck them again after that with Operation Epic Fury. But if you think about it, it has been quite a while since we actually went to war with Iran. Six months, maybe even longer than that."

He added, "I do not think we are in a state of war like the war in Ukraine, or World War I, or World War II."

Trump evaluated the situation as "truly great right now," noting that the volume of crude oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz is higher than before the war and that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports has successfully suppressed Iran's economy.

He also said, "It seems we are getting everything we want."

The FT explained that Trump's remarks came at a time when voters' anxieties over inflation and surging oil prices following the start of U.S. strikes on Iran are a key issue in these midterm elections.

Throughout the campaign, Trump has repeatedly claimed that the surge in oil prices is temporary and will drop rapidly after the midterms.

On this day, Trump also stated that indirect negotiations are underway with Iran regarding the handling of the 450 kilograms of enriched uranium currently held by Iran.

Trump said, "Even if it is under hundreds of tons of rock, I am not happy that it is there," adding, "We are currently discussing it and we will see how it turns out."

Regarding peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, Trump explained, "It seems both sides have reached the point where they are saying, 'Let's make a deal.'"

Trump also claimed that his midterm election campaign was very successful, stating, "The sites were packed with crowds, and thousands gathered at large stadiums, unable to even get in."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)