Symbolic imageTrump rules out Iran strikes before midterms as Hormuz traffic falls
Trump said on Thursday the US will not attack Iran before the 3 November midterms, after a report on Pentagon strike options. Ship traffic through Hormuz fell to its lowest in over two months.
The Atlantic reported on Wednesday, 7 October, that the White House asked the Pentagon for strike options against Iran usable before the midterms, and Brent crude rose above $105 per barrel, according to The American Conservative. On Thursday Trump rejected the report on Truth Social and cited "productive discussions" with Tehran, without giving details. FAZ notes that high energy prices from the Hormuz blockade, in place since the US-Israeli air strikes from late February, put Republicans under pressure. Washington meanwhile added 17 Iranian ships to its sanctions list as alleged "shadow fleet" vessels.
Tanker attacks thin out Hormuz traffic
Last week brought the most attacks on tankers there since the war began, according to Reuters, cutting the number of vessels attempting the passage to the lowest in over two months. Projectiles hit the chemical tanker Acers off Qatar, lightly injuring crew, UKMTO reported. Iran has warned regional states that new export routes would be considered hostile, a senior regional official told Reuters.
Tehran weighs US reply
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is still reviewing Washington's response to its proposal to reopen Hormuz within seven days, and could reply within days, Tasnim reported.