President Donald Trump has increased US forces’ presence in the Middle East, sending a third aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf|@CENTCOM|X
President Donald Trump is contemplating whether to resume attacks on Iran or to engage in talks to reach a deal as the November 3 midterm elections near.
Speaking to Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Trump said, “I have a decision to make: Do I finish it off, which would be very easy to do, or do I make a deal? That’s all.” He also told White House reporters that “There won’t be a strike today,” on Sunday.
In the past few weeks, Trump has expanded the US military presence in the Middle East, deploying a third aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf.
The US has also ordered some embassy and military personnel to leave parts of the region amid growing security concerns, including threats to Saudi Arabia from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants.
Meanwhile, Iran has escalated attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Tehran is also bracing for potential US bombing campaigns around the midterms and preparing retaliation.
Officials warn that the period between the midterms and the new Congress taking the oath could bring crucial developments in the conflict.
US ally Israel faces an election on Tuesday that will determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stays in power. His chief rival, Gadi Eisenkot, could alter the country’s willingness to restart the war with Iran.