Trump promises no strike on Iran before US midterm elections, but US military reportedly informs Israeli forces of possibility of resuming military operations by end of month.

October 9 — The United States has reportedly notified Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir that the U.S. military may resume military operations against Iran before the end of this month. During the call, Zamir said that if the United States resumes strikes, Iran may retaliate against Israel, which could in turn lead to the postponement of Israel's elections originally scheduled for October 27.

Trump made clear on social media on Thursday that the United States will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections. He said the U.S. and Iran are engaged in productive negotiations, that the United States will continue to maintain its blockade of Iran, and stressed that a large amount of oil is currently being transported through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Axios previously reported that the Pentagon has asked U.S. Central Command to complete preparations to resume military operations against Iran. People familiar with the matter said that if operations restart, the U.S. military may carry out large-scale strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. White House officials said the United States currently holds the initiative in the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's economy is under pressure to collapse.