Trump Weighs New Strikes on Iran Before Midterms, Report Says
The White House is reportedly exploring military options against Iran that could be launched before the upcoming midterm elections, a move that could impact oil prices.
The White House has requested the Pentagon to prepare options for potential new strikes on Iran, which could be initiated before the midterm elections next month, according to a report by The Atlantic.
These deliberations come as Brent crude oil prices surpassed $105 a barrel on Thursday amid market reactions to the developing situation.
US Central Command is in the process of drafting these strike plans. However, the specifics regarding the scale of the operations, the designated targets, and whether President Trump will ultimately authorize such actions remain under debate.
One Republican familiar with the discussions suggested that such action could present the president as having achieved a decisive victory. Conversely, officials who support resuming strikes have privately acknowledged that these new actions would likely not result in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil transport. They also do not anticipate forcing Iran to negotiate or lowering domestic gas prices before Election Day.
Negotiations between the United States and Iran have been stalled for months, primarily due to disagreements over Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Recent talks mediated by Qatar have shown little progress, with Tehran reportedly seeking a return to a previous ceasefire agreement that collapsed shortly after its inception.
The previous ceasefire ended after the U.S. accused Iran of violating its terms by attacking oil vessels in the Strait. In response, the U.S. conducted strikes on Iranian radar sites, vessels, and military outposts in the Persian Gulf.
The issue of soaring energy prices has presented a significant challenge for Republicans seeking to maintain their narrow majorities in the House and Senate. President Trump has previously stated that relief at the pump is unlikely before Election Day.
Restarting military hostilities so close to the election could exacerbate the Republican party's difficulties, especially given the war's unpopularity among voters. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted over the summer indicated that only 30 percent of voters approved of Trump's handling of Iran. Furthermore, a Politico poll revealed that 59 percent of Trump's own supporters believe the conflict is contributing to rising energy costs.
The conflict has already seen repercussions in the wider region. Yemen's Houthi rebels, reportedly backed by Iran, claimed on Thursday to have struck Saudi Arabia's main airport for the third time this week. The security situation prompted diplomats in Riyadh to take shelter within their embassies amid reports of explosions, and at least one international school moved its students to a basement for safety.
Additional footage has emerged showing Iranian ballistic missiles, drones, and fighter jets attacking a major U.S. base in Kuwait at the onset of the conflict seven months prior.