Washington, September 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
US President Donald Trump has declined to rule out fresh military strikes against Iran before the November midterm elections, while saying he expects the conflict to end soon and oil prices to fall sharply once hostilities are over.
Asked whether US strikes could resume before the elections, Trump said it was “possible” but declined to elaborate. His remarks come days after he warned at the UN General Assembly that military action against Iran remained an option if Tehran did not agree to a peace deal.
Trump said Washington was prevailing militarily as well as through economic pressure on Tehran, while claiming that Iran’s economy and military capabilities had been severely weakened.
He also linked an end to the conflict with a significant decline in oil prices, saying crude could return to levels seen before the war once fighting stops.
The president said he expected further negotiations with Iran during the week but indicated that Tehran’s latest proposal did not meet US demands. Trump had rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting, according to reports on Saturday.
Iran, meanwhile, has continued to signal that it is open to diplomacy while insisting on conditions including an end to US military pressure and the blockade affecting Iranian ports. Tehran has also indicated that it could reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within days if those conditions are met.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran remains engaged in dialogue and is prepared to discuss limits on its nuclear programme and access for international inspectors. He has also said Iran would defend itself if attacked.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has taken a similar position, warning that Iran is prepared for renewed fighting while remaining open to diplomacy.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the standoff because it is a major route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Disruption there has already contributed to higher energy and shipping costs, while increased flows through the waterway have offered some relief to markets.
The possibility of renewed US strikes also comes as Washington approaches the November 3 congressional midterm elections, adding a domestic political dimension to the administration’s handling of the conflict.
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