Trump says US will not strike Iran before midterm elections

JUST IN: Trump says the US will not strike Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, with oil prices dropping as he dismisses speculation of pre-midterm military action.

Trump just put a date on peace, no strike on Iran before November 3rd.

He posted it on Truth Social late Thursday, saying the US is having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic and will not attack at any time before the midterm elections. You can see him here on the campaign trail, where that promise plays very nicely indeed. Oil fell on Friday morning, and some analysts think bringing the price down was half the point of the post.

Tehran isn't exactly melting. Foreign Minister Araghchi says Iran is still reviewing the American response to its seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and will answer in the next few days. Meanwhile Iranian media reported fresh explosions in that same strait on Friday, possibly tankers hitting sea mines.

So read the promise carefully. It isn't a ceasefire, it's a calendar. Trump didn't rule out striking Iran. He ruled out striking Iran before election day.

This is Sara White, reporting for HIT.