US President Donald Trump has stated that no military strike will be launched against Iran prior to the US midterm elections. However, he noted that while negotiations with Tehran are ongoing, US sanctions on Iranian ports will remain in effect.

In a post on the social media platform Truth Social on Thursday, Trump stated that no attack would be carried out against Iran before the US midterm elections on November 3. In the same post, he claimed that productive talks with Iran are underway, noting that preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons is one of his primary objectives.

Although he announced a temporary hold on military action, Trump emphasized that sanctions on Iranian ports would continue with full force.

According to a report by CNN, following Trump's announcement, the US Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on 17 vessels belonging to Iran's so-called "shadow fleet." These vessels are accused of transporting oil and petrochemicals to South and East Asia in violation of sanctions.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is concerned about the political risks associated with a potential escalation of the conflict with Iran before the elections and the resulting rise in fuel prices. Observers believe such a situation could negatively impact the Republican Party's standing in the elections.

Although some Trump administration officials recently claimed that the conflict was effectively over, Trump stated while speaking at a Maryland shipyard on Tuesday that while Iran is in a state of disarray, the US still has work to complete.

Despite the announcement that no attack would occur before the elections, reports indicate that options for a potential military operation targeting Iran's nuclear and energy infrastructure remain prepared.

Separately, top administration officials met at Camp David last Friday to discuss future strategies regarding the conflict and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. Washington had sent a counter-proposal after Trump rejected an earlier proposal from Iran regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is currently reviewing the US counter-proposal. He also stated that there are plans to provide a formal response to Washington within the next few days.

Consequently, even though a decision has been announced to temporarily hold off on a military strike, the international community is closely watching how the US-Iran situation unfolds amidst blockades, sanctions, and diplomatic negotiations.