Trump rules out pre-election attack on Iran, cites ‘productive discussions’

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, October 8, that the United States would not launch an attack on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, citing “productive discussions” with the Islamic Republic. The announcement came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Israel’s Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warning that a return to war within the next three weeks could postpone the Israeli election scheduled for October 27. Senior American officials had previously indicated that President Trump was considering resuming fighting before both American and Israeli elections, with a final decision on the timing of a US attack on Iran expected within seven to ten days.Despite Trump’s statement, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile. The United Kingdom Maritime and Trade Operations (UKMTO) Center reported that Iran has struck at least 13 ships transiting the strait since the last significant US attacks in September, with the most recent incident on October 6 involving an oil tanker hit by an unknown projectile. On Thursday, October 8, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported powerful explosions in the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, possibly caused by oil tankers striking naval mines. Iran has also warned it will close unauthorised routes in the strait, increasing the risk of further attacks on tankers.The US Treasury Department, under its “Operation Economic Outcast” campaign, announced new sanctions on Thursday, October 8, targeting Iran’s “shadow fleet” network, which is used to move millions of barrels of Iranian crude and petroleum products. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that these actions effectively neutralise the majority of Iran’s remaining shadow fleet, cutting the regime’s main maritime channels for evading US sanctions and funding its war effort. These sanctions follow earlier restrictive decisions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on October 1, targeting Iran’s automotive and rail sectors.The war between the US and Israel against Iran began in February 2026. Indirect negotiations between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials, mediated by Qatar, are ongoing, with proposals exchanged to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, the nuclear dispute remains unresolved, with Washington seeking limits on Iran’s nuclear program and Tehran refusing to abandon uranium enrichment.For Nepali citizens in Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised adherence to local security guidelines, urging them to stay indoors, remain vigilant, and postpone travel plans to Iran until the situation stabilises. As of March 2, 2026, six Nepali citizens were legally residing in Iran. The Ministry has established an emergency response team and a 24/7 control room to monitor the situation, with over 65,000 Nepali citizens registered in its online system, and approximately 6,000 requesting emergency assistance. Nepal maintains a Consulate General in Tehran.The exact timing of any future US attack on Iran remains unclear, as does whether the Israeli election will be postponed. Detailed information regarding the cause and damage from the October 8 explosions in the Strait of Hormuz is also not yet available.